Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House recent WHS tragedies at Ascot and Coomera have highlighted to me the need for improvement in consultation within the workforce front-line. Presently legislation states PCBU must train WHS reps only at the request of the WHS representative. Often this entitlement is not knowledge to the common workforce and not highlighted to avoid the cost of training/paid time off to train. Employees deserve to have a fully trained person representing their safety interests and the interests of the public's safety in their workplace.

Your petitions, therefore, request the House to amend the Workplace Health and Safety Act section 72 to ensure Workplace Health and Safety representatives have the training required to support their workmates. This would include compulsory paid training within the first three months and an annual refresher course each year. The front line are the eyes and ears on the ground and ensuring they are trained may assist in preventing accidents.