Send a letter to the Minister now!
Unions save lives. Organised workplaces are safer workplaces.Unions know that workplace health and safety is the one of the biggest issues for all workers. We also know that prevention is the key.
Our focus is on making sure governments set strict health and safety laws and standards, that employers meet their obligations and that employees, and health and safety reps, understand their rights and how best to organise around health and safety at work.
At present there are 9 different OH&S Laws operating in Australia. All governments want to replace these with a model OHS law. This new Model Law is due to be completed by the end of 2009. To do this, the Government appointed a Panel to make recommendations about the Model Law. Its final report was released in February.
Instead of raising the Federal standards to the highest levels from each State's existing laws, the Report’s recommendations, if adopted, could strike down up to 30 years of progress.
All governments are presently considering recommendations of the Review Panel into Model OHS Laws. They will meet to make decisions about the new law on Monday, 18 May 2009.
Unions are very concerned that if the governments accept all the recommendations – ALL Australian workers will be worse off. While we have told the government this, it is important that Ministers hear from YOU too.
Your voice, and the voice of your workmates, counts! Send the letter below now.
Read more information about the review, including a recent Briefing held by the Victorian Trades Hall Council and some documents you can download. Also, make sure you are signed up to SafetyNet the free fortnightly e-journal to get the latest updates.