Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-10-30 Daily Xml

Contents

SAFEWORK SA INSPECTORS

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (20 July 2012).

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): I am advised:

1. The complement of staff within SafeWork SA, excluding the 94 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) inspectors, (89 Occupational Health and Safety and 5 Industrial Relations) totals 175 FTE. The Policy and Strategy Group, which has a critical role in the development of occupational health and safety (OHS), industrial relations and work life balance policy and legislative reform in this State, consists of 12 FTE fully budgeted positions.

2. SafeWork SA regularly reviews its motor vehicle fleet in line with its service delivery requirements to provide OHS compliance, enforcement and prevention functions to the South Australian community. I am advised that SafeWork SA has reduced its motor vehicle fleet by 11 per cent in 2011-12 and a further 5 per cent is planned in 2012-13, not the 30 per cent as claimed by the honourable member. However, I can assure the honourable member that these reductions will not negatively impact on SafeWork SA's ability to deliver its core business functions.

3. SafeWork SA's reduction of its motor vehicle fleet does not impact on the inspectors of the Investigation Team or Response Team. SafeWork SA has reviewed its motor vehicle fleet and I once again assure the honourable member that the reductions will not negatively impact on SafeWork SA's inspectorate functions.

4. Yes, vehicles leased via salary sacrifice by SafeWork SA executive level staff as part of their salary package are available for use by staff where alternatives are not available and when the vehicle is not required by the executive.

5. SafeWork SA's budgetary savings will not impact on the number of inspectorial staff. SafeWork SA's priorities in managing its savings requirements focus on maintaining front line services in the field, ensuring the continuation of the level of service required by industry in South Australia and the continued fulfilment of statutory responsibilities.

6. There is no budget to increase inspectorate numbers in 2012-13. Using the current complement of inspectors, an extensive programme of educational visits is planned to assist businesses with the transition to the new laws. SafeWork SA is ready to progress this programme of visits.