3 June 2015

National should let its MPs support life-saving Bill

National MPs should be allowed to support a Labour Member’s Bill to immediately adopt international best practice mining safety standards to avert another tragedy like Pike River.

Labour’s MP for West Coast-Tasman, and the Bill’s sponsor, Damien O’Connor says his Bill – which will be debated tonight – will establish an interim regime for mining based on the highly-respected Queensland model.

“With National’s own Health and Safety Reform Bill stalled because of division in its ranks, it is all the more important this legislation is progressed.

“John Key can honour his commitment to the families of the Pike River victims by putting health and safety ahead of petty politics and allowing his MPs to vote freely on this Bill. Its sole purpose is to protect the lives of miners.

“Having my Bill to be considered by a select committee will enable a thorough review of progress in mining and industrial health and safety,” Damien O’Connor says.

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