VLPA Update (Issue 33)

Rain Continues

Well, since the weather broke in late March, rains seem to have been more extensive the further we get into winter. Reports of preparation for cropping in areas which have had little or no cropping lately, indicate some confidence in the upcoming season. No doubt the value of applying agricultural lime where appropriate at this time is being recognised by the rural sector.

National Mine Safety Framework (NMSF)

The NMSF is a series of broad strategies aimed at providing greater consistency in mining and quarrying safety and health regulations across Australia. The NMSF is a project of the Commonwealth and States’ Ministerial Council on Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

The Hon. Clive Brown, former WA Minister for Trade & State Development is chairing a Steering Group consisting of representatives from the workforce, industry and State and Commonwealth Governments responsible for implementing the strategies.

A number of seminars are being held around the country to explain the NMSF and its implementation process. VLPA along with other industry organisations, unions and government regulators attended the recent Melbourne seminar.

The three priority strategies for implementation are:

• A nationally consistent legislative framework
• A consultation protocol – aimed at ensuring effective consultation between stakeholders at the workplace; and
• A national data set – aimed at ensuring consistency in data collection and analysis

In terms of how this will affect Victorian companies, indications are that Victoria’s legislation and regulations are such that significant changes in regulation are highly unlikely.

Further information is available and submissions can be at www.industry.au/minesafety until 20 July 2007.

Other Issues

By the next issue of the newsletter we should have updates on the Protocol for Environmental Management (PEM), Native Vegetation Framework and excise on recycled oil.

Further information on the VLPA is available on the VLPA website www.vlpa.asn.au

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