Senator Eric Abetz

In the 2010 Election, Julia Gillard declared that her proudest achievement was the harmonising of Australia's Occupational Health and Safety laws. Indeed she said "it wasn't easy but I got it done".

Last night the South Australian Parliament has delayed further debate until February next year – well after the scheduled start date. Western Australia and Victoria have asked for a 1 year delay. NSW does not have harmonised legislation.

“Clearly Ms Gillard hasn’t “got it done” at all and this is yet another example of a policy - think BER - that Ms Gillard has handled herself which is unravelling with each passing day,” Senator Abetz said.

“We know that from January the 1^st 2012, full harmonisation will not be taking place.”

“This is an example of the way that Labor does business – saying 'it's our way or the highway' – without a preparedness to work with the States and to listen to their concerns.”

“To add to the confusion there are still codes of practice that are yet to be finalised.”

“Labor should delay the implementation of the new harmonised laws for 1 year to ascertain whether genuine harmonisation can take place rather than rushing in headfirst and implementing another Julia Gillard mess,” Senator Abetz concluded.