Thursday, 24 February 2022

Ministers statements: workplace safety

Ms STITT (Western Metropolitan—Minister for Workplace Safety, Minister for Early Childhood) (12:21): I rise to pay my respects and deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the 66 Victorian workers who were killed at work last year. While last year’s annual workplace fatality toll was seven fewer than the previous year, when 73 people died as a result of work-related incidents, medical conditions or diseases, the devastation—

Mr Davis interjected.

The PRESIDENT: Order!

Ms STITT: The devastation and enduring trauma of losing a loved one show just why health and safety at work is everyone’s business.

Members interjecting.

Ms Pulford: On a point of order, President, it is custom and practice in this place that when people are talking about those that have died, in the spirit of a condolence contribution, they are heard in silence. These interjections are really, really offensive. Given the carry-on we had yesterday—that outrageous behaviour—the families of these people who have died at work deserve better. I think Minister Stitt—

The PRESIDENT: Minister, I have heard your point of order.

Mr Davis: On the point of order, President, it was not a condolence, but I do respect those families. But I equally respect the families of the 800 people who died because of the botched hotel quarantine. Both are very important.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! While I understand the importance of the point of order and I understand the interjection, I ask the house to be silent when a minister or any member is speaking. We need to show that respect.

Ms STITT: Thank you, President. I wonder if, with your indulgence, I might have some time restored to give my statement, as I intend to pay tribute to some individuals.

The PRESIDENT: You may continue, and I will look at it.

Ms STITT: Thank you. I feel privileged to be able to share the story of Simonette Randall, whose 21-year-old son, Damien, was tragically killed in a truck accident in West Gippsland in May 2017. Simonette last spoke to Damien the day before he died, when the water truck he was driving rolled while travelling down a steep descent near the town of Noojee. Damien’s employer was later convicted and fined after it was found the poor condition of the truck’s brakes was the primary cause of the crash. It is powerful stories like this that show no-one is immune from the devastating consequences of workplace trauma. If you have a chance to listen to Simonette’s interview with Raf Epstein from yesterday afternoon, I highly recommend it. It is incredibly moving, and I thank her for telling her and Damien’s story.

The 2021 workplace fatalities show manufacturing was the state’s deadliest industry with 14 fatalities, followed by construction with 13 deaths. There were nine fatalities in agriculture, forestry and fishing for the second year in a row. All but three of the 66 people who lost their lives were men, while more than two-thirds were aged 45 years or older. The youngest, an eight-year-old boy, was tragically among three members of the public included in last year’s toll. We know that workplace fatalities are all preventable, and I urge every Victorian—employers and employees—to redouble their effort this year to avoid these tragedies. No-one should lose their life at work, and WorkSafe will take strong enforcement action against those who are ignoring their health and safety obligations, because everyone deserves to come home from work safely.