Unions NSW has strongly endorsed NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis’ announcement of new industrial manslaughter laws aimed at negligent employers, a significant stride in workplace safety legislation.
“For two decades, we’ve fought tirelessly for this reform,” Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said. “This legislation is not just timely, it’s well overdue. Workers’ lives aren’t a commodity, and this law sends a clear message — if you neglect your duty of care to your employees, there are severe consequences.”
The new laws come as statistics show that up to 263 workers lost their lives on the job in NSW, more than any other state, in the five years leading to 2022. These laws could mandate substantial jail time for employers found culpable of gross negligence, aligning NSW with other states where penalties for similar offences are notably harsher.
“The abject neglect some workers face is unfathomable, and it’s heartening to see steps being taken to rectify this injustice,” Morey said. “No family should endure what families like the Cassanitis have. Our mission is to make workplaces safe, and these laws are an important step in that direction.
“Minister Cotsis has emphasised that every life in every workplace matters, and the proposed laws give legislative expression to that commitment.
“We’ll be part of the consultation process every step of the way, ensuring these laws are effective as they need to be.”
