- Cook Government will legislate to introduce a Fit and Proper Person Test for union officials to obtain a State Right of Entry Permit
- WA Industrial Relations Commission to be given new powers to review a Right of Entry Permit holder if new evidence comes to light under certain circumstances
Premier Roger Cook has sent a strong message to the community by announcing laws to give the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission new powers to ensure only fit and proper people have the ability to enter WA work sites.
The Cook Government will legislate to reform industrial relations laws that will mean any union official will have to pass a Fit and Proper Person Test administered by the WAIRC to obtain a State Right of Entry Permit.
The Fit and Proper Person Test to be introduced into Western Australia's industrial relations system will be in line with the existing test for Right of Entry permits in the Federal industrial relations system contained in the Commonwealth Fair Work Act.
When assessing if a union official meets the criteria of a fit and proper person, the WAIRC will need to consider a range of factors including whether the official has been convicted of certain offences, if they have ever been ordered to pay a penalty under an industrial law and any other matters the WAIRC considers relevant.
The independent WAIRC will also be given the power to review any existing Right of Entry Permit if new allegations or evidence come to light in certain circumstances that pertain to a permit holder.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Unions play an important role in our society and that is why I have been a proud member of a union all my adult life.
"It is in no one's interest to see the reputation of the union movement tarnished by any individual - and that's why a Fit and Proper Person Test is an important reform.
"It is vital we put in place laws that keep our work sites safe - it is my responsibility as Premier to do what is right for WA and that is what my Government is committed to doing.
"Unions exist to protect workers and that is why my Government is taking immediate action so people facing serious criminal charges don't have additional privileges at WA work sites."
