SafeWork SA

112 The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD ().7 September 2022).

1. What is the timeline for the state government's review of SafeWork SA?

2. When will the review commence?

3. Who will be responsible for completing the review?

4. What are the terms of reference for the review?

5. Will the terms of reference be made public?

6. When is the review expected to be completed?

7. Will a report be prepared for the minister?

8. When is the report due to be received by the minister?

9. Will the outcomes of the review be made public?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): I have been advised:

On 21 September 2022, I announced the appointment of Mr John Merritt to lead an independent review of SafeWork SA. Mr Merritt has over 40 years' experience in health and safety regulation, including serving as the Executive Director and Board Chair of WorkSafe Victoria.

The terms of reference for the review have been made publicly available on the SafeWork SA website. The scope of the review is to inquire into, report, and make recommendations for the Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector on the following matters:

1. The effectiveness of SafeWork SA's compliance and enforcement functions including complaints, inspections, investigations, prosecutions and witness and family support.

2. SafeWork SA's implementation of recommendations arising from the review undertaken by a senior ODPP prosecutor, 2018 ICAC Evaluation, internal audit recommendations, and coronial inquests into workplace deaths.

3. Appropriate measures to ensure that workers and their representatives (including health and safety representatives), and the families of deceased workers, have a genuine voice in the complaints, investigation, and enforcement process.

4. Engagement between SafeWork SA and other government agencies to monitor and improve workplace safety.

5. Recommendations as to any other matters that may arise during the review.

Mr Merritt will deliver his report to the government by 31 December 2022.

The report will be made publicly available after the government has had an opportunity to consider Mr Merritt's recommendations.