The AMWU has welcomed the announcement by Employment and Workplace Relations Minister, Julia Gillard, of a national review into health and safety laws.

National Secretary Dave Oliver said the union looked forward to participating in the review to deliver a nationally consistent framework for OHS law in Australia.

“We want a law that reflects the best practice from all states in Australia and a law that is consistent with best international standards.

“We have to put a stop to the current system whereby employers can swap jurisdictions in order to avoid or minimize their OHS or workers’ compensation responsibilities.”

The AMWU along with all affiliate unions of the ACTU has developed a Charter of Workplace Rights that outlines the best practice standards and rights currently existing in the various OHS jurisdictions.

Mr Oliver said that if the Federal Government is serious about tackling the significant number of  workplace deaths each year, the ACTU charter must be standardised through law, across all jurisdictions.
 
“Australian workers need stronger health and safety protections and the AMWU will be seeking new safeguards through this review.' he said

“It is an important step in the right direction for the government and one which contrasts with the inaction of the previous government.”

“We had a situation where the death toll from work was outstripping the national road toll under the Howard regime and his answer was to downgrade national health and safety protections and workplace compensation standards.”

“The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) was abolished and replaced with a government agency that had fewer resources and less power to safeguard workers.”

“We hope that this review will deliver improved health and safety laws for Australian workers and match the best international systems.”