WORKPLACE TRAGEDY FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP

PROGRESS REPORT SEPTEMBER 2011

This report explains our current activities and programs.

1. Developing first program for family members - group counselling - in Progress
2. Identification of new aims - to ensure families of victims of workplace tragedies have the same rights and involvement in the investigation, coronial and prosecution process as Victims of Crime - see http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/vs
3. Currently seeking registration as a NSW incorporated body, tax status and application for Deductable Gift Recipiency status through the ATO
4. Council plaques - continuing to lobby councils for memorials to be placed in every shire in NSW to allow families a quiet place for reflection in their local area.
5. Speaking at meetings, conferences, work sites and companies to outline the impact of a work-related tragedy.
6. Attendance at the Inter-Agency Group Meetings - run by WorkCover NSW  - to put a family viewpoint to the Police, WorkCover, Coroner and Industrial Court about the processes families must go through following a work-related death. In particular we believe the whole process from date of death to finalisation of Industrial Court processes takes far too long for families - extending their grief.
7. Ongoing liaison with SafeWork Australia and Federal Government to achieve uniform collection, recording and reporting of work-related deaths across Australia.
8. Attendance at the CFMEU Wall of Remembrance to run memorial services for families.
9. Currently developing a Kit for Employers so that company post-critical incident processes are uniform across NSW.

If you have any enquiries about our projects, please contact Wendy Lark, Facilitator on 0418 698 553 - email wendylark@workplacetragedy.com