New unit to enforce 'toughest' industrial manslaughter laws in Australia
The New South Wales government is launching a new dedicated unit that will handle industrial manslaughter prosecutions against individuals or organisations.
The state government announced on Monday that the new team will be launched within the Specialised Prosecutions Unit of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
It will receive full funding of $6.9 million over four years, to 2028-29, according to the state government.
The dedicated unit will also be supported by a senior solicitor, two additional solicitors, and a witness assistance officer.
"This unit within the ODPP will be supported by specialist staff to enforce the toughest industrial manslaughter laws in the country," said NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley in a statement.
Daley said the state is giving the ODPP the resources so it can go after individuals and businesses who put workers' safety at risk.
"On average, one person dies a week at work in NSW. These statistics are unacceptable," Daley said. "Everyone who goes to work should expect to come home safely."
NSW's industrial manslaughter laws
NSW has one of the toughest industrial manslaughter laws in Australia, holding individuals or businesses responsible if a person dies due to gross negligence in the workplace.
Violators of the law may face fines of up to $20 million for businesses and up to 25 years' imprisonment for individuals.
"Any workplace death is a tragedy and in cases where a person with a work health and safety duty has been careless or irresponsible, they must be held accountable," said NSW Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis in a statement.
"Every worker deserves to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day."
