Mr Holding thinks another expensive review will repair the system and protect Victorian Workers! - Will someone tell this guy to get with the program!

Just what injured workers need, another review!!!

Why don't worksafe just make the employers compliant instead
of wasting all this money on reviews?

This funding could go to the injured workers whom still have
no common law rights!

Media Release: Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Victorian workplace safety will be even stronger following the Brumby
Government’s response to a review of the landmark Occupational Health
and Safety Act 2004.

Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the TAC Tim Holding said the Government had accepted the majority of the review’s
recommendations to ensure Victoria remains a leader in
workplace safety.

“The response I am releasing today fulfils a commitment made by the
Government to review the legislation to ensure it is working effectively,
” Mr Holding said.“This review confirms that the legislation introduced
in 2004 provides the right framework for Victorian businesses and
workers.”Mr Holding said the recommendations required WorkSafe
Victoria to undertake changes of an operational nature.

WorkSafe has already implemented or is in the process of implementing
many of the recommendations in the review.“The review overwhelmingly
shows the implementation of the legislation has been a smooth process,
but fine tuning of operational matters will further assist workers and
employers,” Mr Holding said.Mr Holding said the Government fully supported the review’s recommendations relating to:

• Improved resolution of safety issues in the workplace;
• Revised guidance for workplace consultation;
• Greater flexibility and support for workplace representation; and
• Providing improved certainty around compliance requirements.

The Government’s response also committed to greater protection of employees who raise OHS issues.“Employees and their OHS representatives have an important role in ensuring that safety issues are identified before they become a problem and supporting these roles will lead to further improvements in workplace safety,” he said.

The review was completed after extensive consultation with trade unions and employer associations. It was conducted by Mr Bob Stensholt MP, who also led the consultation process following Mr Chris Maxwell QC’s review of the 1985 Act.

“I would like to thank Mr Bob Stensholt MP for the outstanding contribution he made in conducting this important review,” he said.

The review report was released in December 2007 and it can be found, along with the Government’s response at: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au