WA government concerned over national OHS legislation

At the most recent meeting of the Workplace Relations Ministers' Council (WRMC) on 18 May 2009, the council considered issues relating to the recommendations made by the independent advisory panel appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister in 2008 to review the development of a national model occupational health and safety act.

The Western Australian government has confirmed it is prepared to accept the vast majority of the recommendations. However, the WA government informed the WRMC that it was unable to support the following recommendations which revolve around process:

• the introduction of a conciliation concept for resolution of issues;
• power for health and safety representatives to stop work;
• reverse onus of proof for discrimination issues;
• level of penalties; and
• right of entry.

The WA government will continue to participate in the harmonisation process and as a member of the new Safe Work Australia Council. At this stage, however, it is not committing to a system that it believes may not be in the best interests of Western Australian workers and businesses.