11 April 2013

MoBIE's report is a waste of paper

The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s report into the Pike River tragedy is nothing more than a waste of paper, the Green Party said today.

The report found ‘systemic failures’ and ‘inaction’ that contributed to the Pike River Mine Disaster from the old Department of Labour and Ministry of Economic Development. Despite these findings no-one will be held accountable.

“We didn’t need yet another report into the Pike River tragedy,” West Coast based Green Party MP Kevin Hague said today.

“The Royal Commission on the Pike River coal mine tragedy has already provided a comprehensive and well-respected report.

“This report from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment is way, way too late. The Department of Labour, which was responsible for health and safety, should have investigated its own failings at the same time as they were investigating the managers of Pike River Coal for prosecution.

“This report has all the hallmarks of putting together a report so as to be seen to be doing something.

“The report's failure to identify anyone to hold responsible, at either the former Department of Labour or Ministry of Economic Development, is typical of its complete cultural failure to take responsibility for ensuring health and safety.

“The changes made to New Zealand’s health and safety framework in 1992 which put the onus onto companies, such as Pike River Coal, for providing workers safety, can be directly linked to this tragedy.

“The full implementation of the Royal Commissions recommendation’s, including a stand-alone crown agency are essential to protecting workers safety.

“The Green Party will continue to monitor how the Royal Commissions’ recommendations are implemented,” Mr Hague said.

ends

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