
Issue No 84		16 February 2001

LaborNET	Ask Neale	Tool of the Week

News

Rural Safety Campaign Pays Off

By Mary Yaager

A push to raise awareness of the dangers rural workers face has paid off, with the Carr government announcing a half million dollar safety awareness campaign targeting the sector.

John Della Bosca unveiled the campaign urging farmers to conduct a 15 minute user friendly hazard checklist.

"Rural industries are the second highest risk workplace area in NSW - second only to mining," said the Minister, John Della Bosca. "That is why rural safety continues to receive such a high priority in the government's plans for 2001."

"Though most farmers know the numerous dangers inherent in their industry, many are often so busy that they become oblivious to some of those everyday hazards," the Minister said.

Mick Madden, President of the AWU, said "This campaign is long overdue. According to national research two workers die each week on Australian properties and this is just unacceptable."

The AWU has been actively conducting a safety awareness campaign over the last 12 months throughout NSW and were instrumental in getting the Government to initiate this campaign, Mick further stated.

Mick went on to say that this is just the beginning of the union's strategy for improving safety for rural workers. The AWU has recently been successful in getting the Government to agree to introduce occupational health and safety standards to cover rural workers, such as accommodation and amenities, and shearing, which were identified as major issues during the recent campaign.

If you require further information about this campaign or the 15 minute Safety Check List, contact the Rural Safety Hotline on 1800 300 377.

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Issue 84 contents

Interview: Life After Wartime
After ten years representing the interests of the labour movement in Parliament, Jeff Shaw is back at the bar. And loving it.

Legal: Why the Freeloaders Should Pay
Michael Costa explains why service fees are not only fair - they are economically rational.

Organising: Young Activists Bask in Union Summer
Sydney students have spent three weeks of their summer holidays experiencing on-the-ground work with unions.

Unions: Things Are Looking Up On The Dock
After six years as a call centre worker, Marios Ellas has joined the union movement. Here's his first impressions.

History: Trades Hall � The Royal Connection
Republic, who needs it when we have the Trades Hall decreed by Royal Imprimatur? So tug your forelock as work commences to restore the building.

International: Greetings from Hong Kong
Chan Wai-Keung from the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions outlined the challenges facing Hong Kong workers.

Politics: One Nation - The Old Labor Link
The resurgence in One Nation in the WA election has the pundits again reaching for the tea-leaves. But are they pouring from the wrong pot?

Review: Elect the Ambassador
Labor frontbencher Duncan Kerr unveils his vision for a new international democracy.

Satire: Man Buys Big Issue for the Articles
A Melbourne businessman claims his recent purchase of the "Big Issue" was due to his interest in the magazine's editorial content.

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» Another Major Centre Takes Union Call

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» Shier Calls the Cops! - Fear and Loathing at the ABC

» BHP Contracts Battle Goes Back to the Coalface

» Newcastle Mill to be Union Project

» Government Must Lead on Casual Leave

» Della Ends Discrimination on Leave Entitlements

» Rural Safety Campaign Pays Off

» Mom Always Said � Don�t Break a Picket