Parliamentary Committees

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION: ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (15:55): I move:

That the 2012-13 annual report of the committee be noted.

The committee has an important role in keeping the administration and operation of the state's health and safety legislation, workers compensation legislation and related legislation under continuous review. The committee also has a function to examine and recommend to the executive and the parliament proposed regulations, particularly in relation to statutory bodies such as WorkCover. The committee can also inquire into health and safety and workers rehabilitation and compensation matters on its own resolution or by referral from either house of parliament.

The Occupational Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Committee differs substantially in operation from other standing committees. Whilst a number of factors are identical to all other standing committees of parliament, the key difference with this committee is that the members are not remunerated. Thus, the committee members' dedication to the work of committee is noteworthy.

The Hon. R.I. Lucas: Who are these members—name them?

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS: I will—I will at the end.

The Hon. R.I. Lucas: Shame them, shame them!

The ACTING PRESIDENT (Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins): Interjections are out of order. The Hon. Mr Kandelaars.

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS: Thank you, Mr Acting President. The committee tends to be issues focused, and its level of activity fluctuates, depending on the existence of topical matters. The members are committed to the important work of the committee and have applied themselves diligently. The committee has worked well and collectively, and each member has contributed a significant amount of time for a very important cause and each can feel proud of his or her efforts.

The Occupational Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Committee met on 13 occasions in the last financial year, and 16 witnesses appeared before the committee to contribute to the work of the committee. The committee completed its inquiry into vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work practices in South Australia as well as the briefing report into South Australia's ageing workforce.

In relation to vocational rehabilitation and return to work, the committee made a number of recommendations, most of which the Deputy Premier then referred to the WorkCover Improvement Project. The WorkCover Improvement Project has already resulted in significant changes to the workers rehabilitation and compensation scheme, beginning with changes to the WorkCover board and a new charter. The Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act is also under review.

During the last financial year, the committee resolved to inquire into the effectiveness and efficiency of SafeWork SA. The committee received 20 submissions from interested stakeholders in relation to the SafeWork SA inquiry, and many of the stakeholders also gave evidence to the committee. The committee thanks all those who have contributed to that inquiry, and yesterday I tabled the report.

The committee also resolved to inquire into occupational violence in the health, hospitality and retail sectors and has received several submissions. The committee has begun taking evidence and hopes to finalise and table the report before parliament is prorogued.

The 16^th report of the Occupational Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Committee summarises the committee's work for the financial year 2012-13 and the cost to the taxpayer has been minimal. The total expenditure for the committee for the financial year was $6,092.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to inquiries undertaken by the committee. I thank all those people who took the time and made the effort to prepare submissions for the committee and to speak to the committee.

I extend my sincere thanks to the members of the committee: the Hon. John Darley MLC, the Hon. Rob Lucas MLC, Mr Alan Sibbons MP and Mr Ivan Venning MP. I would also like to particularly thank the Hon. Steph Key MP for the manner in which she has presided over the committee and consistently focused on achieving the best outcomes through consultation and cooperation. My thanks also go to Ms Sue Sedivy, the executive officer of the committee.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. D.G.E. Hood.