Roger Sowry National Industrial Relations Spokesman
12 November 2002
Volunteers left out of OSH talks
The National Party's amazed by confessions in Parliament by the Minister for the Community and Voluntary sector that
she's failed to consult the sector on new OSH legislation.
"In fact, Tariana Turia admits she hasn't consulted with any groups in the voluntary sector since she took over the
portfolio," says National Industrial Relations spokesman Roger Sowry.
"She's made it clear she wants the Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Bill, which carries fines of up to
$250,000, to apply to volunteer groups.
"She's also refused to give any of the names of groups in the sector who support the Bill.
"I suspect that's because they're very hard to find," says Mr Sowry.
"The Minister told Parliament that Volunteering NZ is working on some guidelines - and I'm disappointed they're working
with the Government on this," says Mr Sowry.
"I'm now calling on that group to push for the exclusion of volunteers from the legislation.
"This Government clearly doesn't care that it's putting the funding base of many sports clubs, community organisations
and schools at risk," Mr Sowry says.
Ends