Senator Eric Abetz

Today is International World Safety at Work Day and as Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations I applaud the continued efforts of the Federal Safety Commissioner to improve occupational health and safety conditions in the workplace.

In 2002, the Coalition Government was instrumental in developing a ten year strategy to promote improved Occupational Health and Safety conditions throughout Australian workplaces.

The ten year plan we established has the support of the peak councils representing employers and employees, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the ACTU.

The strategy is on target to reduce the risk of accidental death and injury in the Australian workplace and create safer workplaces for all Australian workers.

Although we acknowledge this initiative today, safety in the workplace should be a priority 365 days of the year.