Issue Date:  -  Friday, 14 November 1997

Prosecution policy

A new prosecution policy for WorkSafe Western Australia has been drafted and given to Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath.

Mr Kierath said the new policy had been developed by Crown Counsel and WorkSafe.

"I will now take the policy, which includes a public interest test, to the Government of its consideration," he said.

"If that policy is approved, I will be directing that the Thorpe case be referred to a legal review independent of WorkSafe to decide whether the prosecution should or should not proceed."

Crown Counsel was asked to conduct a review of WorkSafe's prosecution policy last week in light of concerns raised about its lack of a public interest test.

Mr Kierath said he was extremely pleased that Crown Counsel had reported back so quickly, and had then been able to work with WorkSafe to come up with a new draft policy only days later.