[Greens-Media] Lessons must be learnt from tragic death of Sarah Waugh

[David Shoebridge]

Lessons must be learnt from tragic death of Sarah Waugh
Media Release - 31 May 2011
 
Next week's coronial inquest into the tragic death of Sarah Waugh, who died while undertaking a jillaroo training course at Dubbo TAFE in 2009, is too short to consider the necessary evidence and make appropriate recommendations so that such a tragedy never occurs again, according to NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge. (SMH 30 May, page 2: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/parents-seek-answers-after-riding-tragedy-20110530-1fd07.html)
 
"Sarah Waugh's death was a tragedy that could probably have been avoided. This coronial inquest is the best chance to provide recommendations to ensure to prevent similar tragedies in the future," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
"There is a great deal of evidence gathered by the Police and WorkCover that requires thorough investigation. Five days is completely insufficient to examine the circumstances surrounding Sarah's death.
 
"On the evidence to date it appears the principle cause of Sarah's death was her being placed on an inappropriate horse. The horse she was on had only weeks before been a racehorse and it was clearly unfit for a novice rider.
 
"While TAFE has apparently since introduced safer practices they are only underpinned by a voluntary Code of Practice for horse training.
 
"This shortened coronial inquest will not have sufficient time to examine the current practices of TAFE and whether or not what TAFE is currently doing meets national practice guidelines.
 
"By not examining TAFE's current practices, or considering whether or not a mandatory code of practice for horse training is required, the potential for NSW to learn from Sarah's tragic death is severely limited.
 
"Lack of communication by the Police and WorkCover meant that Sarah's parents have had to investigate the circumstances surrounding their own daughter's death. 
 
"With the coronial inquiry being only half the time it should be, it is again falling on the shoulders of Sarah's parents to achieve justice for their daughter and ensure safe practices in NSW. Sarah's parents deserve the utmost respect for their vigilance in ensuring that Australia learns some lessons from Sarah's death.
 
"The Greens have asked questions in parliament to help shed light on the circumstances surrounding Sarah's death," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
More information: 9230 3030 | 0433 753 376
 
 
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David Shoebridge
Greens MLC
NSW Parliament
PH: (02) 9230 3030
FX: (02) 9230 2159
www.davidshoebridge.org.au