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Tasmanian Industrial Manslaughter laws take key first step in Parliament

July 17, 2024

Tasmanian workers are one step closer to being afforded the same protections as their mainland counterparts under new industrial manslaughter laws.

The AWU has been pushing for industrial manslaughter laws in Tasmania for years. From 2012 to 2022, Tasmania has seen 85 work-related fatalities and around 7,500 workers’ compensation claims from injured workers each year.

The legislation, which was introduced by the state Labor Opposition, proposes penalties of up to 21 years in prison for individuals and fines of up to $18 million for companies who engage in negligent conduct that results in a worker’s death.

Tasmanian Labor’s industrial manslaughter legislation passed the lower house of the Tasmanian Parliament, despite the Liberals holding a minority government.

The bill will now go before the Legislative Council, and the AWU and unions in Tasmania will work to ensure it passes as soon as possible.

This is a massive step towards ensuring Tasmanian workers are protected, after they have been let down for far too long by the state government’s inaction.

Tasmania has been left behind the rest of the nation, and thanks to Labor, we are finally catching up!

Tasmanian Labor Leader Dean Winter says that “I know many of you have fought for these laws for a long time, and I especially thank our friends in the union movement who have worked with us to ensure the legislation we’ve tabled keeps workers safe.

“While it’s not over yet, I am proud that we have been able to take this important step forward – together as a labour movement.

This just shows all of us what we can do when we work together.”

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