ARTICLE · 08 OCTOBER 2013

South Australia SafeWork Parliamentary Inquiry

Norton Rose Fulbright Australia

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A Parliamentary inquiry into the effectiveness of Safework SA was commenced on 9 May 2012.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

Tom Martin

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As a fascinating counterpoint to the introduction of the South Australia Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) (SA WHS Act) on 1 January 2013, a Parliamentary inquiry into the effectiveness of Safework SA was commenced on 9 May 2012 by the Parliamentary Committee on Occupational Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation.

The precise rationale for the inquiry is somewhat unclear but appears likely to be connected to the political debate that continued throughout 2012 in relation to the introduction of the harmonised laws, and the stinging criticism levelled at SafeWork SA's investigation practices by Coroner Mark Johns in his 2011 inquest into the death of Daniel Maddeley.

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