Augusta Zadow Awards

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:43): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector. Will the minister inform the council about the winners of this year's Augusta Zadow Awards?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:43): I thank the honourable member for this important question, and I am very pleased to update the council once again on the annual Augusta Zadow Awards. Now in its 20^th year, the awards recognise and support projects that improve health and safety outcomes for women and young workers across South Australia. Augusta Zadow was a fierce advocate for women's rights in the workplace and became South Australia's first lady inspector of factories in 1895. She was a woman ahead of her time and her tireless work has helped lay the foundations for many of the health and safety rights of women and young workers today.

Augusta Zadow was a major contributor to the establishment of the Working Women's Trade Union in 1890 and was a delegate to the United Trades and Labour Council of South Australia. In recognition of her pioneering efforts, SafeWork SA established the award program in 2005. Since then, 41 grants have been awarded, valued at over $400,000, to fund practical, innovative initiatives that make our workplaces safer and more inclusive.

It was a privilege to attend this year's awards, which were presented by the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Hon. Frances Adamson AC, at Government House in a ceremony on the last day of National Safe Work Month. It was especially pleasing to see many members of not just this chamber but the other place at those awards. Each winning initiative received a grant of up to $40,000, an increase from the $20,000 in previous years, reflecting the growing importance of investing in research, education and workplace innovation.

This year, there were a number of winners. Chris Green, Max Mawby and Michelle Rath from the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union were awarded $39,600 for an education awareness program targeting workers aged 16 to 23. The project aims to reduce electric shocks amongst young workers entering the industry. Linda Grosser and Crystal Yates from the University of South Australia received $17,752 for research to develop strategies and resources supporting women managing the combined challenges of menopause and shift work.

Jayne Boase, Dr Udara Ranasinghe, Dr Chamitha Wijewickrama, Janet Doolan, Associate Professor Karen Sinclair and Dr Aparna Samaraweera were awarded $15,000 for their culturally safe work health and safety induction toolkit for young Aboriginal construction workers, helping to reduce the higher rates of work-related injuries amongst Aboriginal youth in construction.

This year's entries have seen a high level of innovation, collaboration and real-world impact. It was inspiring to see the talent of all the Augusta Zadow Award winners, and it remains an important reminder that improving work health and safety is a shared responsibility. Once again, I congratulate all the 2025 winners and look forward to what 2026 holds for these awards.