Families of workers who have been killed at work descend on Parliament to fix broken law
· Family members from around the county will be available for regional media
· Around 15 family members will be in Parliament tomorrow evening (18th August from 6pm) at a hosted event - media are
welcome to attend.
Families of people killed at work around the country, including Pike River, are converging on Parliament today and
tomorrow in a last ditch attempt to fix the government’s broken health and safety bill.
The Health and Safety Reform Bill will go through its third reading from tomorrow.
The Government has watered the legislation down from the promises made after Pike River, but families who have lost
loved ones at work are putting pressure on support parties to accept opposition amendments.
Anna Osborne, whose husband Milton was killed in the Pike River disaster, says “John Key met with us after Pike and
promised us he would fix the law. He hasn’t, but we’re going to strongly encourage other political parties to make sure
that promise is kept.”
Deborah McMillan, whose husband Shane was killing in a forestry accident says, “This Bill has been a kick in the guts.”
“Me and others have gone around the country in the last month talking to people about this and what people want is a
decent health and safety law that protects worker rights. The government shouldn’t be putting their political mates
ahead of Kiwi’s lives.”
“I hope all of the MPs have a good think about who they’re in there standing for before they vote for this law.”
Maryanne Butler-Finlay lost her husband Charles in a forestry accident two years ago and has run a successful private
prosecution against his employer. She says, “We finally got justice for Charles’ death after Worksafe turned a
prosecution down. The Government’s new laws will make it harder for others to do that. It’s just wrong.”
Around 15 family members of fallen workers from Pike River and other workplace accidents will be at a hosted event at
Parliament from 6pm on Tuesday the 18th, in the Legislative Chamber - media are welcome to attend.
ENDS