Page: 19134
The Hon. JOHN HATZISTERGOS: My question without notice is to the Special Minister of State, and Minister for Industrial Relations. Will the Minister inform the House what arrangements are in place to access information and advice about the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001, which was introduced in September?
The Hon. JOHN DELLA BOSCA: I thank the Hon. John Hatzistergos for his question. Members of the public can access information and advice on the new Occupational Health and Safety Regulation by either phoning or visiting the Client Contact Centre. The centre's telephone number is 13 10 50, at the cost of a local call from anywhere in the State. The centre is presently located at the WorkCover head office, at 400 Kent Street, Sydney. Members of the public can email the Client Contact Centre on contact@workcover.nsw.gov.au, visit the WorkCover web site at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au, or phone or visit one of the many WorkCover offices located throughout metropolitan and regional New South Wales. Requests for information can also be faxed to WorkCover on 9370 5999.
When calling the 13 10 50 number, callers will be asked if they require information kits or advice. Those seeking information kits will be asked to provide their details so the distribution of kits can be arranged. Callers seeking advice will be directed to WorkCover's information officers at the Client Contact Centre. Requests for advice via the WorkCover Internet site will be sent directly to the Client Contact Centre.
The Client Contact Centre is the first point of call for inquiries. Industry-specific or hazard-specific inquiries are immediately referred to the relevant hotlines of the industry teams or the Compliance Co-ordination Team. Client Contact Centre staff have also developed frequently asked questions and answers, which are located on the WorkCover's web site. The Client Contact Centre has been set up to provide assistance, answer queries, and take requests for information on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
The Hon. MICHAEL EGAN: If honourable members have further questions, they will have to wait until next Tuesday to ask them.