The Territory Labor Government has released asix-month review of the Territorys workplace regulator, NT WorkSafe.
The review looks at present policies, proceduresand activities, and considers how best practices can be implemented to supportstaff and the industry.
The review makes 27 recommendations to improveworkplace health and safety regulation in the NT, to protect Territory workersand businesses. They include:
rebalancing organisational priorities to meet Territorians expectationsabout work safety
ensuring people across the Territory have access to NT WorkSafe
upgrading skills in relation to compliance and investigation, andimproving systems
refocusing resources to allow for prosecutions and hard-complianceactivities
clarifying regulator functions to further strengthen independence.
The Territory Labor Government commissioned independentconsultant Tim Lyons to carry out the review. He has previously completed asimilar review of the Queensland regulator and worked closely with industry whilecompiling his NT WorkSafe review.
To view the final report, visit:
As stated by the Attorney-General and Minister forJustice, Natasha Fyles:
Territorians deserve to be safe when they are atwork and this review will help us provide the best possible Territoryregulator, to protect Territory workers while supporting Territory businesses.
This review has highlighted areas where we canmake improvements, and we are now examining the findings and recommendations ofthe report.
We will develop an implementation plan and I lookforward to providing a more detailed response in coming months.
As stated by Consultant Tim Lyons:
While there aresome unique challenges in ensuring workplace safety in the NT, these 27recommendations are designed to provide a road map for improved workplacesafety.
Territorians face far higher ratesof workplace fatalities than in any other Australian jurisdiction. Recommendationssuch as improving the visibility and performance of NT WorkSafe and thedeterrent effects of introducing industrial manslaughter legislation areimportant steps towards dealing with this situation.
