Vic: Review calls for tougher penalties for workplace breaches

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2004
Vic: Review calls for tougher penalties for workplace breaches

A review of Victoria's occupational and health safety laws has recommended tougher
penalties for workplace safety breaches, including jail terms for serious first-time offenders.

The review by CHRIS MAXWELL, QC, has found penalties in Victoria are considerably lower
than those in New South Wales and Queensland, and should be increased to boost compliance.

Mr MAXWELL says it's inappropriate that jail terms are currently only available for
repeat offenders.

And he's called for custodial sentences for employers in cases of high-level culpability.

The report also recommends measures to clarify employers' safety responsibilities and
provide incentives for encouraging compliance.

It calls for the role of WorkCover inspectors to be widened to allow them to provide
safety advice, and for limited rights of entry for union officials on safety grounds.

The report will now be considered by the state government.

AAP RTV bp/szp/gfr/jmt/rp

KEYWORD: MAXWELL (MELBOURNE)

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