Mick Gentleman to strengthen ACT industrial manslaughter laws

A bill to change the territory's work health and safety laws will be put forward by ACT Industrial Relations Minister Mick Gentleman on Thursday.

Under the proposed changes, corporations could face a $16.5 million fine if "reckless or negligent" behaviour results in the workplace death of another. People would face up to 20 years in jail.

The changes would see the industrial manslaughter offence moved from the Crimes Act to the Work Health and Safety Act.

Mr Gentleman said the changes would help to give better justice to families of those killed.

"Every workplace fatality is a tragedy felt deeply by families, friends, co-workers and the community," he said.

"Stronger industrial manslaughter legislation will help prevent workplace tragedies and remind employers of their obligations.

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"Canberra workers have the right to return home safely and employers have an important role to play in this.

"This change will also give families of those killed in the workplace better access to justice and provide more avenues to address poor workplace safety practices and systemic non-compliance."

Last month, Mr Gentleman hit out at the Federal Industrial Relations Minister Michaelia Cash for refusing to support a national push to introduce model industrial manslaughter laws.

He said the ACT could not rely on the support of the federal minister and that is why the territory would move ahead on its own to implement the model laws.

The laws were recommended in a 2018 independent review by Marie Boland.

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