The Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter and Other Matters) Act 2019 was passed by the Victorian Legislative Counsel on 26 November 2019 without any amendments. It is now awaiting royal assent, and will come into operation on a day to be proclaimed or on 1 July 2020 at the latest.
Bill update
As reported in earlier articles on this blog, the Victorian Legislative Assembly has heard the second reading speech of the Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter and Other Matters) Bill 2019 (Vic) (the Bill) and passed the Bill on 14 November 2019.
The Bill was sent to the Legislative Council on 14 November 2019 at which time it received its first and second reading. The Legislative Council heard that the Bill seeks to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) to provide for offences for workplace manslaughter and will provide for the establishing of the Workplace Incidents Consultative Committee, made up of family members of victims to advise on future reforms and initiatives. The debate on the Bill was then adjourned and is now listed to be heard on Tuesday 26 November 2019.