South Australian Labour Inspectors visit New Zealand

28 November 2008

Three inspectors from SafeWork SA - South Australia’s workplace health and safety agency - are spending two weeks in New Zealand as part of a Trans-Tasman exchange programme to share experience and knowledge.

The visit follows a visit made by three Department of Labour inspectors to South Australia in June.

Department of Labour Head of Workplace Services Craig Armitage said the exchanges grew from discussions at the International Association of Labour Inspection Conference which took place in Adelaide in March.

“The visit is an opportunity for the Department of Labour to learn from international best practice. It is also beneficial for the South Australian inspectors to learn how their counterparts in New Zealand approach their work.”

He said that during the visit the Department of Labour and SafeWork SA will sign a Memorandum of Understanding that is hoped will facilitate more exchanges over the next three years.

During their two weeks in New Zealand the three SafeWork SA inspectors – Wayne Dodd, Ben Tugwell and Sandra Voumard - will visit Auckland, Queenstown and Invercargill. They will also meet with staff in the Department’s Wellington Head Office to learn about the Department’s approach as a modern regulator.

While here they will undertake a number of visits to New Zealand workplaces, including the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter and Auckland’s Eden Park which is undergoing a major refurbishment so it can host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The inspectors arrive in New Zealand on Sunday 30 November and leave on Monday 15 December.

Note to Media: Wayne Dodd, Ben Tugwell and Sandra Voumard can be made available for interviews and photographs by arrangement. If you are interested in taking up this opportunity please phone Colin Patterson on 04 9154163 or e-mail colin.patterson@dol.govt.nz

Information on the three SafeWork SA inspectors is attached, along with details of their itinerary.

For further information call 0274 422 141 or e-mail media@dol.govt.nz