International Workers' Memorial Day

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (15:21): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. Will the minister please inform the council about International Workers' Memorial Day?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:21): I thank the honourable member for his question and his interest in this area. Much like when the Hon. Justin Hanson asked me a question, I acknowledge that the Hon. Reggie Martin devoted a period of his life to looking after and protecting the interests of workers. I look around my colleagues in this place and I am very proud to be surrounded by quite a number of other people who at least for part of their lives have had the very noble profession of working for a union, looking after the interests of often some of those who are the most low paid in our society.

International Workers' Memorial Day occurs on 28 April each year. It is an important time to remember those workers killed or injured by work-related injuries and illnesses. It is also an important opportunity to recommit ourselves to doing what we can to stop preventable workplace deaths.

Just yesterday, I attended the annual service at the Pilgrim Uniting Church to mark Workers' Memorial Day. I was pleased to be joined by other government members, including the Hon. Joe Szakacs, the Hon. Katrine Hildyard and the Hon. Andrea Michaels. I think the member for Colton, Matt Cowdrey, attended and also the Hon. Connie Bonaros of this place attended. The Hon. Reggie Martin of course attended, but that goes without saying because he asked the question, as I acknowledged the work that he does.

This year's service featured a number of addresses from people like Carmel Schwartz from VOID, Marie Boland from Safe Work Australia, Maxine Williams from the Asbestos Victims Association, Penny Jacomos from the Asbestos Diseases Society, Andrea Madeley from VOID and Sean Hill from SA Unions.

Amongst some of the profound expressions of grief from families affected by workplace accidents, it is impossible not to be moved by the roll call of deceased workers which plays during the candle lighting ceremony. Sadly, there are far too many names on that roll call and, even more sadly, more being added each year. It is a reminder of why work health and safety is so critical.

I am proud that this parliament, after seven attempts over 20 years, many that have included the Hon. Tammy Franks, has finally passed legislation to make industrial manslaughter a standalone criminal offence in this state. This will come into effect on 1 July this year. I very much hope it never needs to be used. In an ideal world, there wouldn't be a single prosecution, but the deterrence effect will make those who undertake business undertakings think very carefully about the systems they have in place to ensure worker safety.

I want to congratulate all those who have been involved in marking International Workers' Memorial Day, but in particular I want to pay tribute to the incredible contribution of Andrea Madeley and the members of Voice of Industrial Death (VOID) in organising the event and being such staunch advocates in this area. After the death of Andrea's son Daniel in a tragic workplace accident in 2004, Andrea has devoted much of her seemingly endless reserves of energy to supporting other victims of workplace accidents and their families.

Andrea has been a strong advocate for improved workplace safety, and I am very pleased that Andrea Madeley has accepted the invitation to be a representative for injured workers on the new SafeWork SA advisory committee, which is working to build stronger relationships between health and safety regulators and key stakeholders. I am sure that by working together we can do more to prevent unnecessary deaths and I pay tribute to those who have organised International Workers' Memorial Day again this year.