Two deaths on a gas rig off the Warrnambool coast have prompted a union to call for changes to legislation it says disadvantages offshore workers.
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) yesterday gained entry to the Stena Clyde offshore drilling unit about 90 kilometres south-east of Warrnambool where two men died on August 27. But it says it was only allowed on site after it pursued right of entry through Fair Work Australia and drill owner Stena reversed its decision to not allow them on board.
MUA assistant national secretary Ian Bray said this was a result of deficiencies in laws governing the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority.
“Unfortunately workers employed on offshore facilities are not afforded the same rights as onshore workers under the federal government’s legislation,” Mr Bray said in a statement.
He said the union was calling on federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson to amend the legislation to save all parties the difficulty of continuous disputes over right of entry.
AAP
