Tuesday, 12 November 2024

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:43): I want to draw the chamber’s attention today to the terrible incident that occurred at the Golden Plains wind farm yesterday. A 36-year-old man has died, and that is completely unacceptable in the way this occurred. There is much to be investigated here. The companies involved appear not to have taken the level of care and concern that we would all expect them to take. It is also true to say that WorkSafe Victoria itself has had close involvement here. It has had a number of pin notices involved and has also had close involvement with additional staff being put on site to attempt to bring security and safety to the workplace. Tragically, it has completely failed in that task. I make the point that not only does this need to be fully and totally investigated but that investigation must be independent. WorkSafe is not suitable to do that investigation because WorkSafe’s involvement and activities are a matter of contention in themselves. We cannot have WorkSafe investigating its own activities. We need an independent inquiry. My sympathy and that of the whole house goes out to the family of the man involved.