Answers to Questions

SAFEWORK SA

In reply to the Hon. R.I. LUCAS (10 November 2010) (First Session).

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): I have been provided the following information:

In October 2010, three officials from Singapore's Workplace Safety and Health Council visited Adelaide to gain insight into South Australia's workplace safety initiatives and, in particular, our state's Safe Work Awards as well as the national Safe Work Australia Awards.

The visit included briefings with SafeWork SA officials on:

the Safe Work Awards criteria and judging processes;

the eAwards on-line registration system; and

the agency's efforts to engage with industry to bring about changes in the way occupational health, safety and welfare is managed.

The Workplace Safety and Health Council Singapore, which is equivalent to our SafeWork SA Advisory Committee, also met with Mr Tom Phillips, Presiding Officer of the SafeWork SA Advisory Committee and Chair of Safe Work Australia.

In addition, the Singapore delegation attended our Safe Work Week events, including the 'Mock Industrial Court Trial' and the Safe Work Awards Dinner.

The travel and accommodation costs for the Singapore delegation were funded entirely by the Singapore Government.

As a gesture of hospitality, SafeWork SA invited the 3 international guests to a dinner and breakfast at a total of $160.00. Both occasions afforded an opportunity to exchange views and ideas on the effective administration of workplace health and safety laws.

The visit provided South Australia with a unique opportunity to showcase our successful Safe Work Awards program, while at the same time providing Singapore's Workplace Safety and Health Council with a first-class template for developing their awards initiatives.