Wednesday, 13 May 2026

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (17:10): (1662) The adjournment matter I wish to raise is for the Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, and it concerns the recent announcement of additional funding to keep workers safe. The action that I seek is that the minister provide an update on how funding will improve protections for workers in my electorate of Narre Warren South. As the co-chair of WICC, or the Workplace Incidents Consultative Committee, I have heard at firsthand the ongoing impacts on families of workplace incidents. It is a privilege to be on this committee and to work with other members on this committee who have lived experience. I thank them all for their contributions in improving public policy.

As a former union leader, I know only too well the importance of protections for workers, and whilst every job does carry some level of risk, some industries, as we all know, carry more risk than others. In my electorate of Narre Warren South, many of my constituents work in dangerous industries such as construction, manufacturing and even health care. This is important work which we could not do without, but it is incumbent on us as a government to do all that we can to ensure workplaces and workers are indeed protected. Any job can be dangerous without proper regulation and training.

Recently it was International Workers Memorial Day, and that saw the Allan Labor government announce $13.7 million to deliver workplace injury prevention and better support for people to return to work. That was alongside $1.4 million to expand supports for families grieving a loved one killed at work. I welcome any support and investment to keep workers safe and to help those left behind. I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with my community.