HANSARD
SITTING CALENDAR
SEARCH
LIVE BROADCAST
Hansard Dynamic Member Index
Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-10-14 Daily Xml
Contents
Xml

Algal Bloom

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:39): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Deputy Premier regarding legal risk and work health and safety obligations in relation to algal bloom events.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: Recent concerns have been raised by legal practitioners, which highlighted that employers operating in affected coastal areas may be exposed to significant legal risk if they fail to assess and respond to the health and safety impacts of harmful algal blooms. Specifically, concerns have been raised that relying on government rescue or delayed action could leave businesses vulnerable under work health and safety laws, particularly where staff, contractors or patrons are exposed to environmental hazards. My questions to the Deputy Premier are:

1. What legal guidance has been issued to employers regarding their work health and safety obligations in areas affected by harmful algal blooms, including risks to patrons?

2. Is the government considering updates to the work health and safety regulations or codes of practice to reflect emerging environmental risks, such as algal blooms?

3. How is the government ensuring that employers, particularly in tourism, hospitality and coastal business operations are aware of and compliant with their legal responsibilities in managing this environmental health risk?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:41): I thank the honourable for her question. Probably the best way to answer it is to just reiterate what our workplace health and safety laws require, and that is that those conducting a business or undertaking (the employers) provide a safe working environment.

Employers can do this in a number of ways. Similar to during the COVID-19 pandemic, employers would look at the advice that is issued by authorities and then make sure that they are providing safe workplaces and safe work practices. This is a responsibility that employers have. As has been discussed here today, there is information from the government on websites about any potential risks that are posed, but that is an obligation that rests with employers to provide those safe workplaces and practices.

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS
MEMBERS
GET INVOLVED
ABOUT PARLIAMENT
VISIT
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
CONTACT