❓ Hon. Sally Talbot questions the Minister for Commerce regarding a potential WorkSafe inquiry into Alcoa worker transport through the Yarloop bushfire zone, after the Minister for Mines and Petroleum indicated it was outside their jurisdiction. The Minister for Commerce indicates WorkSafe is aware but awaiting further information before deciding on an investigation.
AnsweredQoN 31Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
YARLOOP BUSHFIRES — ALCOA WORKER TRANSPORT
31. Hon SALLY TALBOT to the Minister for
Commerce:
I refer to yesterday's
advice from the Minister for Mines and Petroleum that investigation of reports that
Alcoa workers were driven by bus from Pinjarra and Bunbury to Wagerup through
the firegrounds of the Yarloop bushfires in January appears to lie outside the
jurisdiction of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.
(1) Can the
minister advise whether WorkSafe will conduct an inquiry into the circumstances
surrounding these reports in the absence of action by the Minister for Mines
and Petroleum?
(2) If yes to (1), when will we know
the outcome of the inquiry?
(3) If no to (1), why not?
31. Hon SALLY TALBOT to the Minister for
Commerce:
I refer to yesterday's
advice from the Minister for Mines and Petroleum that investigation of reports that
Alcoa workers were driven by bus from Pinjarra and Bunbury to Wagerup through
the firegrounds of the Yarloop bushfires in January appears to lie outside the
jurisdiction of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.
(1) Can the
minister advise whether WorkSafe will conduct an inquiry into the circumstances
surrounding these reports in the absence of action by the Minister for Mines
and Petroleum?
(2) If yes to (1), when will we know
the outcome of the inquiry?
(3) If no to (1), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) WorkSafe is
aware of the event, due to media reports on 15 January 2016 in relation to the
matter that indicated that travel was only undertaken after permission was
granted by the authorities and that buses taking workers in and out were
escorted by Department of Fire and Emergency Services personnel. No complaint
has been made to WorkSafe, therefore, no investigation has been conducted.
However, WorkSafe will make contact with the Department of Fire and Emergency
Services and the Department of Mines and Petroleum to determine whether an
investigation is necessary.
(2)–(3) Not applicable.
some notice of the question.
(1) WorkSafe is
aware of the event, due to media reports on 15 January 2016 in relation to the
matter that indicated that travel was only undertaken after permission was
granted by the authorities and that buses taking workers in and out were
escorted by Department of Fire and Emergency Services personnel. No complaint
has been made to WorkSafe, therefore, no investigation has been conducted.
However, WorkSafe will make contact with the Department of Fire and Emergency
Services and the Department of Mines and Petroleum to determine whether an
investigation is necessary.
(2)–(3) Not applicable.
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