GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS FIREWORKS
The Hon. ELAINE NILE: My question without notice is directed to the Attorney General, and Minister for Industrial Relations. Is it a fact that under WorkCover legislation specific safety regulations regarding the discharge of fireworks require the use of standardised safety clothing, fully qualified personnel and the maintenance of safe distances from spectators? Is it a fact that any public display of fireworks can proceed only after the display organisers have gained the relevant WorkCover permits and delivered the required notices to police and fire brigades? Were such permits obtained and notices given by the organisers of the 1998 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, at which fireworks were discharged within the confined and crowded spaces of the parade route? Furthermore, will the Minister ascertain who would be liable
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should an injury result to either a participant or a spectator from any unregulated use of fireworks at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras?
The Hon. J. W. SHAW: As to the first part of the question of the Hon. Elaine Nile, I believe that there are WorkCover regulations that govern the discharge of fireworks but I am unaware of the detail of that regulatory regime. As to the second part of her question, I am unaware whether any permits were granted to the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the use of fireworks but I shall ascertain the position and inform the honourable member in that regard. The third part of her question concerns liability, and the short answer is that anyone who acts negligently or is otherwise in breach of the law would be liable for any injury or damage caused by virtue of that act.