Minister misunderstands her own legislation

The National Party’s accusing Labour Minister Margaret Wilson of failing to understand her own legislation.

“She’s offering to give ACT an urgent briefing on the new Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Bill when I believe it’s her that needs the briefing,” says National’s Industrial Relations spokesman Roger Sowry.

Margaret Wilson is dismissing claims from ACT that a parent who volunteers to drive children to school sports is not covered under the law, which provides for huge fines against the school if that volunteer is injured.

“But I believe she’s wrong,” says Mr Sowry.

“If a volunteer works for an employer who stands to make financial gain from their actions, they are covered.

“If the driver of that vehicle’s saving the school from hiring a bus, there’s arguably a financial gain and the volunteer is covered,” Mr Sowry says.

“The legislation fails to define financial gain, it’s loosely worded and uses imprecise language.

”She’s also ignored National’s point about fundraising, where there is a clear financial gain.

“Volunteers hurt while helping out with fundraising could easily fall under the bill, leaving their organisation open for fines of up to $250,000.

“Margaret Wilson must carefully read her bill before taking it back to the drawing board.

”Attacking people when they make valid points is not the answer,” says Mr Sowry.

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