Questions without notice and ministers statements
Workplace safety
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan) (12:01): (422) My question is for the Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, represented by the Leader of the Government, Minister Symes. It has long been established that psychological workplace hazards are no less harmful to employees than physical hazards. In 2021 the Victorian government announced that new psychological health regulations for Victorian employees were being developed and were expected to be released in that same year. According to the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, following the completion of public consultation the government has since been ‘considering options for the development’ of regulations. I ask the minister: what is the status of these considerations?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:02): I thank Mr Ettershank for his question for Minister Pearson in the WorkSafe–TAC capacity. As you know, that is an area where there is a lot of work going on. I would like to thank members from this chamber that have been involved in parliamentary committees considering similar topics, and I am sure that Minister Pearson’s office will prepare a thorough answer to Mr Ettershank’s question.
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan) (12:03): I thank the Attorney for her assistance in this matter. By way of supplementary, Victoria was the first state in Australia to announce the development of psychosocial regulations for the workplace, but it is now the only state in Australia yet to implement those vital reforms. So my question is: when can we expect to see these regulations released?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:03): I will add Mr Ettershank’s second question to the first for Minister Pearson.
The PRESIDENT: Before I call the next question, I would like to acknowledge in the gallery today we have a delegation from the State Legislative Assembly of Sabah, from Malaysia, led by the honourable Speaker, the two honourable Deputy Speakers, assistant ministers and members of the Assembly. On behalf of the Council we welcome you to the Parliament, and we hope when you leave you judge our question time kindly.