1. Review Proceedings
6. The review arose from an Inquiry by the Labour Committee of the House of Representatives into the administration of occupational safety and health policy in August 1996. Among other things, the Select Committee recommended "...That appropriate amendments be made to the Gas Act 1992 and the Electricity Act 1992 to provide single coverage under the Health and Safety in Employment Act (HSE Act)." The formal Government response to the report of the Labour Committee undertook that further work on the boundaries between the HSE Act and the Gas and Electricity Acts would be carried out by the Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) in consultation with Commerce and the electricity and gas industries.
7. The review started with industry meetings and the release of a discussion document A Review of the Safety Regime for Electrical and Gas Work in December 1997. Sixty-three individuals and organisations representing a wide range of views made submissions. A document summarising these submissions was published in July 1998.
8. The review team appreciated the many submissions, comments and ideas put forward. While perspectives differed considerably, the range of views expressed was very helpful in informing the conclusions reached.
9. As a result of the submissions, the review team decided to broaden the scope of the review to ensure that aspects of concern to the submitters were considered. The team also decided to undertake a further round of consultations with groups representing sectors of the electrical and gas industries, the licensing boards and consumer representatives.
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