2018-04-27
The Victorian Greens are calling on the Government and opposition to join them in supporting a push from the Victorian Trades Hall for the introduction of corporate and industrial manslaughter laws.
The legislation would hold decision makers accountable for ensuring safe workplaces for all Victorians and introduce harsher penalties for those whose negligence results in the death of an employee.
Victorian Greens spokesperson for employment and IR, Nina Springle, believes the proposed legislation should be supported as soon as possible to help ensure the safety of every Victorian while at work.
“Where corporate negligence results in serious injury or death, decision makers must be held to account for that negligence. Our current laws are failing to do that, and in cases where serious negligence results in death, we’re seeing big corporations fined as little as $150,000,” she said.
“Victorian Trades Hall Council is proposing a straightforward solution to introduce industrial manslaughter laws in Victoria, following the introduction of similar laws in Queensland and the United Kingdom. It is unacceptable for us to fall behind on this issue."
“The Victorian Greens fully support this proposal and we’re pleased to see Trades Hall Council take the lead on this. Now we need the Andrews Government to take worker protections more seriously, and drive these new laws through Parliament as soon as possible.”