LNP urged to protect workers and the public by supporting industrial manslaughter laws

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace is urging the LNP to support proposed new industrial manslaughter laws in State Parliament next week, saying the safety of workers and the public has to come first.

“All workers deserve to return home safely to their loved ones at the end of a day’s work,” Ms Grace said.

“A year ago today, two workers at Eagle Farm lost their lives on the job and weeks later a terrible tragedy at Dreamworld cost four visitors their lives.

“We owe it to the victims and their loved ones to ensure Queensland has strong industrial manslaughter laws to protect people on the job.

“Our proposed laws will send a clear message to corporations that negligence on their part will attract serious consequences.

“Some larger businesses are using complex corporate structures to evade their responsibilities, and our proposed laws will plug this gap.

“Small, medium and big businesses should all be on the same footing when it comes to providing a safe work environment.

“It’s about time the LNP stopped playing politics on this issue, when people’s lives are at stake.

“Every time they oppose sensible reform – whether it be on trading hours, labour hire licensing, or industrial manslaughter – they blame it on the unions.

“This argument is starting to sound ridiculous and I say to Tim Nicholls: it’s not too late to do the right thing and support our Bill in parliament next week.”

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548