Review Of Worksafe And The TAC

The Andrews Government will review the WorkSafe and Transport Accident Commission to identify opportunities to optimise the effectiveness, efficiency and value of these organisations to the Victorian community.

Mr James MacKenzie has been appointed to conduct the review.

Mr MacKenzie’s previous and current roles include:

· CEO of the TAC (1994-97);

· CEO of Norwich Union Australia (1997-2001);

· Managing Director of Funds Management and Insurance, ANZ (2000-01);

· Chairman of TAC and WorkSafe Victoria (2000-07);

· Director and Chairman, Mirvac Group (2005-14); and

· Member of the COAG Business Advisory Forum (2011-13).

Mr MacKenzie will report to Government by the middle of this year.

Victoria continues to have the safest workplaces of any state in Australia, with injury rates improving over the past decade to a record low of 7.37 injury claims per million hours worked in 2013/14.

Workplace injuries not only cost Victorian employers more than $1.7 billion each year, they have a major effect on the lives of injured workers, their families, friends and workmates.

WorkSafe will continue to reduce workplace injuries through public awareness campaigns, workplace inspections and by consulting with workers and employers to identify the next set of health and safety improvements.

Background

The Government is committed to WorkSafe’s head office relocation.

The review will consider WorkSafe’s relocation to Geelong to ensure that appropriate decisions are made when implementing this change.