Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

BALLARAT LEFT BEHIND IN SAFETY WEEK GAFFE

News Release - Friday, May 4, 2001

Ballarat workers, businesses and community members wanting to participate in Health and Safety Week 2001 have been left behind by the Bracks Labor Government.

Yesterday, the Government placed an advertising supplement in the Ballarat Courier calling for expressions of interest from people interested in conducting an event as part of Health and Safety Week.

However, the advertisement calls for interested parties to let WorkCover know by 20 April 2001 - two weeks before the advertisement appeared.

As well, the advertisement sought entries for Health and Safety Awards, for which the closing date for entries was 31 March 2001.

Shadow WorkCover Minister Robert Clark today said the advertisement further demonstrated that the Government was more interested in presentation and image than in substance.

"The timing of the advertisement really treats the people of Ballarat as second class citizens," Mr Clark said.

"It means that Ballarat people have missed out on the chance to respond to the advertisements in order to take part in Health and Safety Week 2001 activities or lodge award entries.

"It also means taxpayers' money has been wasted telling people about deadlines which have already passed.

"I am certain that if given a genuine chance, there would have been a number people in Ballarat keen to get involved in staging an event to promote occupational health and safety.

"Unfortunately the Bracks Labor Government's concern for Ballarat and regional Victoria increasingly seems rhetorical rather than real.

Mr Clark said it was not surprising that WorkCover Minister Bob Cameron would preside over such a bungle.

"Mr Cameron is well known for much bigger mismanagement - the mismanagement of the new WorkCover premiums," Mr Clark said.

"If his administration can't get the dates for a simple advertisement right, then how can we have faith in his handling of more challenging matters?"