Comcare National Work Health and Safety Awards
- It’s a pleasure to be here tonight, on Ngunnawal land.
- I pay my respects to their elders past and present.
- And I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here this evening.
- I'd also like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank Mick for your dedicated service as acting CEO for the last several months.
- It is a privilege to speak to you all tonight at the Comcare Awards.
- It is wonderful to be among people who share a deep commitment to the wellbeing of our workplaces.
- Workplace health and safety is often spoken about in terms of compliance, checklists and procedures.
- But at its heart, it’s about people.
- As a former WHS trainer myself, I understand the importance of best practice in work health and safety.
- When we create safe and healthy workplaces, we see better productivity, higher job satisfaction and stronger workforce participation.
- Prevention is the foundation of a safe and healthy work environment.
- By identifying and doing everything we possibly can do to eliminate hazards before they cause harm, we reduce the likelihood of incidents and protect our people.
- Early intervention is critical.
- When issues are addressed promptly, we stop minor problems from becoming major issues.
- Early action also reduces costs for both workers and employers by avoiding prolonged absences and the ripple effects of lost productivity.
- But unfortunately, things do go wrong.
- And when injury does occur – whether psychological or physical – we need to have the best possible supports in place for recovery and return to work.
- So that everybody has the chance to gain the economic and social benefits that come with work.
- It’s important to ensure we see best practice across the whole spectrum of Comcare activities, from WHS risk management to enabling an employee’s return to work.
- Because workplace injuries – whether physical or mental – don't just have an impact on individuals.
- They have ongoing consequences for families and communities.
- So tonight we are here to celebrate your success.
- Whether that is through injury prevention, or a safe and supportive recovery and return to work process.
- We are recognising your work as exemplars of innovative best practice that deliver impact.
- We have to shine a light on what delivers results.
- It’s about learning from those who lead the way; who innovate; who challenge the status quo; and who make tangible improvements.
- And it’s about actively sharing those achievements, so they can be applied by workplaces and used by other regulators.
- Best practice is not a set-and-forget proposition.
- It evolves, adapts and inspires.
- The work we are recognising tonight is proof that excellence in WHS is worth celebrating.
- And I’m pleased to hear that this year’s awards attracted a record number of entries from teams and individuals.
- Including, for the first time, recognition of the important work of Health and Safety Representatives.
- These awards also highlight the diversity of Comcare’s unique jurisdiction, across both the public and private sectors.
- The finalists include entries from Home Affairs, the AFP, Defence, Australia Post, Telstra, SBS, Western Sydney Airport and Inland Rail.
- There’s no doubt that Australian workplaces are becoming safer.
- Data from Safe Work Australia tells us that the rate of workplace fatalities has reduced by almost 25% over the past decade.
- That data also shows that the Commonwealth jurisdiction is among the safest in the country.
- There are consistently low incidence rates for serious injury claims – even with a range of high-risk occupations and industries across the scheme.
- But challenges remain.
- Mental health conditions are now the most prevalent type of workers’ compensation claims from Australian Government agencies.
- These claims now account for more than half of overall claims costs.
- And of course, even one workplace fatality is one too many.
- So we must ensure that Comcare is put in the best possible position to continue its important work.
- Our Government is committed to the effective operation and sustainability of Comcare, so it can continue to fulfil its critical function as the world of work undergoes significant shifts.
- And nowhere is that critical function on display better than tonight, as we honour these achievements.
- They are extraordinary efforts – from frontline teams to senior leaders, from public sector agencies to private sector corporations.
- Your endeavours have prevented harm, supported recovery, and created safer, healthier workplaces.
- By recognising these achievements, we do more than reward effort – we amplify it.
- We give others a roadmap.
- We encourage collaboration.
- And we build a culture where safety is a shared value, not just a compliance requirement.
- To all the finalists – thank you.
- Your work and your leadership reminds us that safety is everyone’s business – and everyone’s right.
- Let’s continue to learn from each other, to raise the bar, and ensure that every worker in every workplace is safe, supported, and respected.
- Congratulations again, and good luck.