SAFEWORK SA

In reply to the Hon. R.I. LUCAS (6 July 2011) (First Session).

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

On the 6 July 2011 Ms Michele Patterson was not on annual leave from her position as Executive Director SafeWork SA.

Ms Patterson was working on the harmonisation of Australia's occupational health and safety laws, and representing South Australia's interests in that process.

At that time, Ms Patterson was the Chair of Safe Work Australia's Strategic Issues Group. South Australia has indeed been fortunate to have had Ms Patterson leading the national reform programme and ensuring that South Australia's interests in the process were continuously at the forefront.

Ms Patterson played a key role in the task of ensuring that the Model Regulations complement the Model Work Health and Safety Act to provide the foundation of the national occupational health and safety legislative framework.

Public servants, including those at executive director level are entitled to the accrual of entitlements such as long service leave, sick leave and annual leave similar to other South Australian workers. On the 6 July 2011 Ms Patterson had recently returned from a short period of annual leave.