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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-07-17 Daily Xml
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Ministerial Statement

SAFEWORK SA

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (17:19): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: Earlier today I was asked a question without notice by the Hon. Mr Lucas regarding SafeWork SA and the prosecution of Ferro Con (SA) Pty Ltd and its sole director as the responsible officer. I find it quite offensive that the Hon. Mr Lucas would raise such a matter in this way, considering that ultimately it concerns the death of a young man at work, Mr Brett Fritsch. With respect to the issues raised by the Hon. Rob Lucas concerning section 471B of the Corporations Act, I am advised of the following information: following its investigation into the fatality involving Mr Brett Fritsch, SafeWork SA referred the matter to the Crown Solicitor's Office for legal direction. Following careful consideration of all the relevant matters, proceedings have been initiated against Ferro Con and its sole director as the responsible officer.

The Crown Solicitor's Office is aware of and has carefully examined the issue in relation to Ferro Con's status under the Corporations Act. The Crown Solicitor's Office is of the view that the complaint against Ferro Con remains valid, and this has not been challenged. In regard to the supplementary question of the Hon. Tammy Franks, I am advised that Mr Fritsch was an employee of Ferro Con (SA) Pty Ltd. I can reiterate that the Crown Solicitor did consider this matter and I am confident that this prosecution will proceed as intended.

The death of Mr Brett Fritsch is an absolute tragedy and my condolences go out to his family and friends. As I stated earlier in this place I am not satisfied that it has taken so long for charges to be laid in relation to his death. However, I want to put on the record how appalled I am at the complete lack of sensitivity and compassion being demonstrated by the Hon. Rob Lucas. The last thing the family and friends of Mr Brett Fritsch need is for the prosecution to be put in doubt by the misinformed Mr Lucas. For Mr Lucas to act as though he is concerned about those who have died or been injured in the workplace is a sick joke considering that he has politicised this tragic event. This is a low act of which Mr Lucas should be ashamed.

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