Record fine not enough

BRISBANE -- The Industrial Magistrate's Court here has imposed a $40,000 fine on a Bulimba boat-building company over the 1998 death of an apprentice, who was electrocuted at work.

Queensland Council of Unions secretary John Thompson said on August 10 it was outrageous that the fine, the state's biggest ever for a breach of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, was so small it could be written off as a business cost. The largest possible fines provided for by the legislation are $300,000 for a corporation or $60,000 for an individual.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union is lobbying state parliament to pass legislation that would penalise mining companies proven to be negligent in cases of death or injury of workers. Two young miners who lost their legs in separate accidents at Queensland coalmines this year are suing the companies for negligence in the Supreme Court.

Drug law trials

BYRON BAY -- Lismore Local Court has been selected to trial a scheme aimed at forcing drug users into compulsory treatment programs. The early intervention scheme announced by NSW attorney general Jeff Shaw will take effect next July. Under the scheme, the court will force alleged drug offenders into drug treatment as a condition of bail.

Also due to come into effect in July is a one-year trial in which police will caution people caught with small amounts of illegal drugs other than cannabis. Offenders will be cautioned twice without prosecution providing they agree to participate in compulsory drug treatment programs.

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