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Keneally attacks business over letter
October 20, 2010 - 3:19PM
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has attacked business groups urging the Labor government to drop its opposition to national work safety laws, saying lowering standards is not an option. In an open letter published on Wednesday, business heavyweights such as Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) chief executive Heather Ridout urged NSW to recommit to implementing the national reforms in full. NSW's obstinacy risked a "once-in-a-generation opportunity", as well as "investment, jobs and credibility", the letter said. Ms Keneally wants certain exemptions to the national safety laws, despite signing up to the deal last December. Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Ms Keneally said she was "disappointed" by the intervention of the business groups. "It is disappointing to see some employer groups have come out against the high standards of safety that have protected NSW workers and allowed businesses to thrive," she said. "These employer groups should appreciate that these days employee safety is not an option. High standards are not an option. "Lowering our standards in a misguided attempt to save money is not an option." She disputed business claims that Victoria had a better safety record than NSW, saying the two states' systems were like "apples and oranges". Ms Keneally wants unions to be allowed to retain the right to prosecute employers for alleged safety breaches and to keep the onus of proof on employers to show they exercised due care in the workplace. Her about-face on the agreement with the commonwealth has led to a public stoush with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who on Monday threatened to withdraw $144 million in funding if NSW did not implement the reforms. Ms Keneally again said NSW would not back down in its stand-off with the federal government. "We will not compromise when it comes to the safety of working people," Ms Keneally told the lower house. "Safety is too important. NSW has the best OH&S (occupational health and safety) standards in the country. "We're not willing to compromise on that. "Harmonisation should be a rising tide that lifts all boats."
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