The Green Party supports moves by some within National to institute a corporate manslaughter charge in the Health and Safety Reform Bill.
Justice Minister Amy Adams has reportedly brought to Cabinet a suggestion that there be a corporate manslaughter charge included in the Health and Safety Reform Bill. This would mean, for example, that the charge of corporate manslaughter would have been available to those investigating the Pike River tragedy. It could attract substantial penalties and fines.
The Green Party supports moves by some within National to institute a corporate manslaughter charge in the Health and Safety Reform Bill.
Justice Minister Amy Adams has reportedly brought to Cabinet a suggestion that there be a corporate manslaughter charge included in the Health and Safety Reform Bill. This would mean, for example, that the charge of corporate manslaughter would have been available to those investigating the Pike River tragedy. It could attract substantial penalties and fines.
“There is a huge gap in the current health and safety legislation with no provision in the legislation as it stands for a corporate manslaughter charge,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today.
“If the failure is systemic directors and senior management may not even be held to account.
“It is good news that there are some responsible MPs within National willing to push for better health and safety laws. However, this charge relates to deaths that have occurred.
“The rest of the Bill must focus on preventing further deaths with actual steps to keep workers safe.
“National’s previous moves have on this legislation have gutted parts of the Bill after lobbying from employers supported by some National MPs.”
Judith Collins and some backbenchers have reportedly delayed the legislation in order to exclude small business and farming.
“It is disgusting that some MPs are lobbying to weaken health and safety legislation and put workers’ health and lives at risk,” said Mrs Turei.
“Protecting workers lives should be more important to a responsible Government than petty backroom politicking between different factions within National itself.”
