Corporate manslaughter laws not guaranteed

[Cate Faehrmann]

---------------------
Another message from the GREENS-MEDIA maillist.
You are subscribed as: chris at sw.oz.au
Manage your subscription on the list home page at:
http://www.altnews.com.au/greens/
---------------------

MEDIA RELEASE
17 May 2004
Embargoed until 1pm



Corporate manslaughter laws not guaranteed

Greens MP and Industrial Relations spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has welcomed the recommendations from the Inquiry into Serious Injury and Death in the workplace, though she has serious doubts about whether corporate manslaughter laws will be introduced by Minister Della Bosca.

"The Final Report is very comprehensive and credible.  Now the Government needs to commit to urgently implementing all of the Report's recommendations," said Ms Rhiannon.

"Members of the Committee from across the political spectrum worked together in an attempt to get just and fair outcomes for those affected by workplace injuries and deaths.

"The only MLCs on the Committee who didn't agree with industrial manslaughter laws were the Liberals.  That's expected, yet what's also expected is that a Labor Government shouldn't have any qualms about introducing a new offence of corporate manslaughter

"But I'm not confident such a law will be introduced in NSW. 

"In response to one of my questions in Parliament last year, the Industrial Relations Minister John Della Bosca, told Parliament that if corporate manslaughter laws were introduced it would mean there would never be a conviction.  He has rejected the need for such a law on a number of occasions. 

"The recommendations of this Report are serious, credible and achievable.  All we need now is for the State Government to legislate to save workers' lives.

"The Minister needs to stand up to industry and tell bosses that by placing workers' lives on the line, they're placing their own livelihoods on the line.

"If the Government doesn't introduce corporate manslaughter legislation I will introduce a private members bill into the Legislative Council to do so," said Ms Rhiannon.


More information :  Cate Faehrmann	9230 3551	0412 207 043





-------------------------
Support your List Server:
DOMAIN NAMES: http://altnews.com.au/register/
HOSTING: http://altnews.com.au/sales/
PHONE: low cost calls at http://us.altnews.com.au/1cell/
-------------------------
Hosted by Alternative News Network, Cairns, tropical north Queensland, Australia
-------------------------