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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-07-18 Daily Xml
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VOICE OF INDUSTRIAL DEATH

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:43): I rise today to speak about the organisation Voice of Industrial Death (also known as VOID) and its founder Ms Andrea Madeley. In 2004, Andrea's son Daniel was killed in an industrial accident while working as an apprentice toolmaker. After navigating through the justice system and the maze of bureaucracy that followed, Andrea recognised the need for ongoing support and information for people who sadly would be put in the same situation as she has been. Andrea also recognised the deficiency in our occupational health and safety legislation and believed that a body should be founded to create change where change was needed. As a result, VOID was founded in May 2006.

Over the years, VOID has provided unwavering support to families who have tragically experienced the same loss and grief Andrea experienced as a result of a loved one's death caused by an industrial accident. In these families' time of need, VOID provides help where it can. Whether it is explaining the bureaucratic processes and preparing families for what they are facing, speaking out for them when they are unable to do so themselves due to grief or lack of information, accompanying families to court hearings, giving support or just providing a shoulder to cry on, VOID is there to help.

Andrea's vision for support is that people who have experienced similar circumstances will make others comfortable and be able to provide more assistance as they truly understand the needs and emotions of those they are trying to help. I know that Andrea despairs because all too often by the time the families come to her they have lost complete faith in the system, or it is too late in the process for her to be able to provide assistance, but Andrea is always happy to help and hopes that, over time, VOID's name and reputation will be such that these families will receive the assistance they need when needed.

VOID has also created a workplace safety presentation called Reflections. Reflections is a personal journey which is often confronting for those who experience it. It aims to send home a powerful message as to the real reason why workplace safety is so vital. It is not just to tick a box on a piece of paper but to ensure you go home safely to your family and loved ones. This is the message of SafeWork SA's current Homecomings campaign; however, it is a drum that Andrea has been beating for a long time.

Over the past five years, Andrea has given this presentation to thousands of employees and feedback is always very positive. Andrea was particularly touched when students at the East Murray Area School decided to dedicate one of their projects to Danny's memory as a result of seeing the Reflections presentation.

The third prong of VOID's fork is lobbying for change where it is necessary. For instance, VOID was the catalyst for changes in the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act which increase the penalties for reckless endangerment. VOID continues to play an integral part in bringing about workplace safety reforms and advocating for fairness and justice for the benefit of all workers.

VOID is a not-for-profit organisation and, as a result, a lot of what Andrea does is not recompensed. Whilst VOID gratefully accepts donations, Andrea never asks for payment for her presentations as she believes it is important to raise awareness on these issues. In fact, Andrea would like nothing more than to be able to spread her message to more people through schools, vocational training centres, unions and workplaces.

VOID is also actively involved in the International Workers Memorial Day. When Andrea first became involved, attendance at these memorials was limited; now the memorial day is held in a packed church, which demonstrates not only the growing need for an organisation like VOID but also highlights that many families were struggling for a voice before VOID was established.

In an effort to provide even more assistance and to gain a better understanding of the legal system, Andrea is currently undertaking a law degree. Having represented herself at the Coroner's Court in the inquiry into the death of her son, she is all too well aware that not everybody is able to afford legal representation. She also knows that legal advice is very useful in these proceedings. VOID and, in particular, Andrea Madeley, should be commended for all they do and their tireless efforts to enhance worker safety. I know that her son, Danny, would be proud of all she has achieved and all she does in his memory.

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