Review of Australia’s OHS Laws

The Federal Government has initiated a process to review OHS laws across Australia and CPSU believes that the Federal Government‘s review of Australia’s OHS laws must deliver the highest standard of protection for workers.

The ACTU, VTHC and CPSU have provided submissions as part of the process and an online petition for members to sign and express your support.

Visit www.actu.asn.au/OccupationalHealthSafety/default.aspx to sign in support and additional information can be found at VTHC’s OHS Reps website on www.ohsrep.org.au

Gayle Smith Award Nominations Open.

Gayle Smith was a public servant and CPSU member who was deeply committed to health and safety and she understood the importance of being a workers’ representative, whether as a workplace delegate, or a health and safety representative.

Sadly Gayle passed away a number of years ago after a battle with cancer.

To honour Gayle’s life, and to encourage other CPSU members to further their involvement in health and safety and worker representation, CPSU is proud to sponsor an award in her name.

CPSU will present an annual award in Gayle’s honour to a member nominated by their peers who meets the following criteria:

- has made a significant contribution to OHS in the workplace by contributing to the development of consultation in the workplace and/or effectively representing members with OHS issues
- has been a union member for at least 2 years, and
- is a current health & safety representative

Nominations are open and nomination forms, signed by the nominee, should be faxed to CPSU on (03) 9662 4591. Nominations will close on Monday 22nd September, 2008.

Click here for further information or contact CPSU’s OHS Unit on 9639 1822 or toll free on 1800 810 153;

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/Gayle-Smith-Award-application.pdf

Do You Need a OHS Rep Election

The OHS Act 2004 came into effect on the 1st of July 2005. Many OHS Reps elected under the 1985 Act had their terms extended for a maximum of 3 years. If your workplace hasn’t had any new elections over the last 3 years their may be a requirement for a new election to be undertaken. The OHS Act requires employees to determine the election process and employees can engage their union to assist in the process.

If you seek further advice you can contact CPSU OHS Officer Carl Marsich by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or if you are a DHS HSR or employee contact Sergio Pirisi DHS health and safety representative support officer by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CPSU OHS Training

CPSU run a number of OHS courses; including the 5 day OHS Reps initial course, one day Section 67 OHS Reps Refresher training, Prevention of Stress and a Prevention of Workplace Bullying and Occupational Violence.

For dates or further information on these courses contact Pam Spencer on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact Pam on 9639 1822 or toll free on 1800 810 153. Click here to view/print our latest “Training News” for our courses for Members in Industrial Training;

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/Training-News-1808-w-map.pdf


KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary

Monday, 18 August, 2008