Phil Goff got a great reception at the CTU conference this morning.
His speech was inspiring – while it is available on line, you had to be there to really get a sense of how well Labour’s message is going down with workers.
There’s much more to come on savings, skills, jobs, wages and social policy, but today’s announcement was for the miners.
Two days ago, the Minister of Labour announced she was implementing a High Hazards Unit in the Department of Labour which will double from two to four the number of Labour Inspectors in the Mining industry. Everyone is pleased about this, even if it took a lot of pressure to get the Minister to do anything.
But there is more to Mine Safety than having a well-resourced inspectorate. There also need to be strong regulations and worker check inspectors on the job.
Today, Phil announced that we will reinstate check inspectors and model new NZ regulations on Queensland’s mining safety regulations.
Queensland’s regulations are very comprehensive, and the underground section contains provisions for emergencies, rescue and communication, electrical equipment and installations, explosives and explosive power tools, gas monitoring, mechanical, mine design, mining operations, ventilation and working environment.
Until they were removed by the National government in 1992, check inspectors were democratically-elected miners, responsible solely for the safety of workers with the power, amongst others, to order the immediate withdrawal of miners from a mine or part of a mine that the check inspector deems dangerous. Check inspectors were (and are in Australia) experienced senior miners who have the trust of their fellow workers. Unlike company employed health and safety staff, check inspectors are responsible to the miners, not the company.
This is a great announcement. It was well received today, particularly by the Miner’s Union, the EPMU, who have pushed hard for real change to mine safety in New Zealand.
And before anyone goes there, yes Labour didn’t reverse National’s changes to mine safety. We made significant change to National’s awful Health and Safety laws, but it wasn’t enough. We know that. And that’s why we will do something about it.
The findings of the Royal Commission into the Pike River disaster won’t be released until 2013. Labour doesn’t believe we should wait until then to take action.
Cant wait to see Goff and Key on a head to head debate.
One will be tongue tied, evasive and have an appalling record in office.
The other will have the facts at his finger tips, clear diction and offer a certain path out of the economic gloom.
Which is why Key is avoiding Goff at the moment in the House. Bring it on!
I think this annoucement by Geoff is a good move towards a safer working environment within the mines.
I have been a health and safety officer in two work places and have a background in Emergancy Management. I have reaised safety concerns in the workplace which have been brought to my attention by other staff and I have been bullied by the employers when trying to get safety issues addressed and one boss even went so far as to say, “I was putting the company at risk” as their contract with the DHB was due for renewal.
The role of health and safety officers has been undermined over the years and also the weakness of the Unions hasn’t helpped.
We should make it safer to mine coal. Coal is a wonderful resource for us to export. Coal makes the world a better place.
Yee haa! Go Phil!
!!!!!
Upping mining safety good!
^^
Whoop!
Forgive me Spud!
I’d been thinking that your postings were the best comment you could offer on the subject matter in question.
I’ve just realised. You’re extracting the urine, aren’t you?
And because people haven’t tumbled you’re getting more and more extreme in your mindlessness.
Brilliant.
Give that man an award.
Woo hoo!
Ghostie and mac1.
Given that Key cleaned up Cullen in 05 and Clark in 08 Goff will hold no fears for him. It is just a shame he did not pick up the ball and run with it once elected. Still he is setting the framework for a more positive second term.
Yes Spud’s mindless comments are starting to grate the nerves.
I suspect he is a National supporter in disguise trying to make Labour supporters look stupid – he’s doing a good job.
Either that or he’s a certified plum duff.
“Forgive me Spud!” No!
“I’ve just realised. You’re extracting the urine, aren’t you?” Nope, was just feeling chipper tonight!
A good day and Goff is going to “reinstate check inspectors and model new NZ regulations on Queensland’s mining safety regulations.” 
!
This is overdue and I’m pleased that Labour is doing it!
!
@Curious – stop trolling.
@ Spud
“Goff is going to reinsate check inspectors” etc
Chances are spud, that once Goff has ‘taken one for the team’, he will be raising calves down on his farm, not reinstating check inspectors.
@oldlogger – Goff is a good bloke and Labour can win this election!
Labour wants to fix dem mines!
!
@Spud, the mindless drivel you post, aside. Pray tell why Labour are singing the praises of a policy stance that was missing during 9 years of Government by Labour? Had they not realised that mines did not just come into existence in 2008? too little too late. No action for 9 years and now Goff is claiming to have solved the problem? Ludicrous.
@Dave – well you didn’t disappoint. I knew someone of your ilk would say something like Labour had nine years….. Read my post properly.
@Darien, I did read the post, its the snide tone that intimates the current Government is responsible for the mess you and your lot left, that irritates me. One of many. “someone of my ilk” thats very mature of you, no wonder the vast majority of New Zealanders tire of Labours 1930′s “red flag” rhetoric.
@Dave I guess you will read whatever you want into my posts. Not much I can do about that.
Darien – you make the point that National changed the rules in 1992.
Others make the equally valid observation that you had 9 years in power to do something about this, but chose instead to do other things.
Banging the drum for reform now, in the wake of the Pike River tragedy, seems to smell a bit of ghoulish opportunism.
@George – second to last paragraph : “And before anyone goes there, yes Labour didn’t reverse National’s changes to mine safety. We made significant change to National’s awful Health and Safety laws, but it wasn’t enough. We know that. And that’s why we will do something about it.”