I contribute to debate on the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Industrial Manslaughter) Bill 2024. Since 2013 a worker has died every week. Since 2019 there have been 300 workplace fatalities—meaning 300 life sentences for families. Due to the inaction of the previous Liberal‑Nationals Government, New South Wales is the only mainland State in Australia without an industrial manslaughter offence. The Minns Labor Government is fulfilling its election promise and following through with its ongoing commitment to legislate for an industrial manslaughter offence and tougher penalties for negligent workplaces. This bill strikes at the very heart of our shared values and responsibilities—the safety and wellbeing of every worker in New South Wales. It marks a watershed moment in the Minns Labor Government's effort to ensure that every worker can return home safely to their family at the end of each working day.

In my first full‑time job with the Trades and Labor Council of Sydney, now Unions NSW, I worked in the occupational health and safety training unit. My role was to advocate and educate for safer workplaces. We trained many unionists who were involved in building Darling Harbour. For too long businesses have been able to get away with cutting corners to improve their bottom line at the cost of their workers' health or lives. The Occupational Health and Safety Act was passed in 1983, when I worked at Unions NSW. I witnessed a training video that was shown to the Darling Harbour construction workers called "Alice's fight for life". It was about a woman who acquired asbestosis. Alice died a slow and painful death from mesothelioma. It was incomprehensible to me that someone might never return home from work to their loved ones due to a workplace incident or accident or acquire a terminal disease just from doing their job. That is why this bill is so important; it holds negligent employers accountable.

For too long we have seen the tragic consequences of inadequate workplace safety regulations. Families have been torn apart by the loss of loved ones due to preventable workplace incidents. The pain and suffering endured by those families is immeasurable and yet the penalties imposed on those responsible have been insufficient. They have escaped with only small fines for their negligence. We have heard stories from parents who have buried their children. No-one should have to bury their child, and especially not because of a preventable workplace accident or incident. This bill is not just a piece of legislation, it is a statement of our values. It is a declaration that the lives of workers are invaluable and that any negligence leading to the loss of life will be met with the sternest consequences.

The bill introduces several crucial changes, the first being severe penalties. The bill imposes significant penalties on both corporations and individuals found guilty of industrial manslaughter. This includes fines of up to $20 million for a body corporate and up to 25 years imprisonment for an individual. This is a significant increase on the current maximum penalty for the highest offence, category 1, under the Work Health and Safety Act, which is five years imprisonment for an individual or a $3.8 million fine for a body corporate. A unit will also be established in the New South Wales Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions that will be responsible for the prosecution of industrial manslaughter. These offences will go against individuals and, where appropriate, related bodies corporate.

The importance of the bill extends beyond its legal implications. It is about instilling a culture of safety within our workplaces. It is about ensuring that every employer, manager and worker understands that safety is not just a priority, it is a fundamental right. We must foster an environment where safety protocols are rigorously followed, where concerns about unsafe practices can be raised without fear of reprisal, and where everyone is committed to the wellbeing of their colleagues. We acknowledge that implementing these changes will come with challenges. Employers will need to invest in better safety managers, training programs and compliance mechanisms. However, the cost of inaction is far greater. The loss of even a single life due to workplace negligence is a cost too high to bear.

The success of the industrial manslaughter bill will depend on collaboration. It will require the joint efforts of the Government, employers, workers and trade unions. Together, we must work towards creating a safer working environment for all. Employers must lead by example, demonstrating a genuine commitment to safety. Workers must feel empowered to speak up about unsafe conditions. Unions must continue to advocate for the rights and safety of their membership. As legislators, we must remain vigilant, ensuring that our laws protect those who are most vulnerable.

I thank the Minister, who has supported this action for many years. I congratulate her on this legislation and thank her for her passion and commitment to workers throughout New South Wales. I also thank the Attorney General and the staff members involved. I acknowledge Unions NSW and the whole trade union movement for their perseverance in working on this legislation and ensuring that every worker in New South Wales is protected going forward. This bill provides a strong deterrent, incentivising safer workplaces in New South Wales. It sends a clear message that individuals and businesses who place a worker's life at risk will be held to account in the event of a workplace death—and so they should.