The government has yet to make a decision regarding the potential separation of the Occupational Health and Safety Department from the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations. During a ministry session reviewing the 2022 Audit Report on the General Administration Sector, Permanent Secretary for Employment, Maritino Nemani, indicated that discussions around this matter are still ongoing.
Nemani noted, “There have been discussions within the ministry about this issue. However, it is a political decision that the minister must make following the proper process. It is essential for the government to take ownership of this matter, rather than treating it as a standalone entity.”
He also emphasized the urgency of reviewing certain Occupational Health and Safety regulations. “Currently, we have not progressed in this area because there is an immediate need to review our existing legislation, specifically the OHS regulations,” he said.
Nemani mentioned that the Attorney General’s office and Solicitor General’s office are currently addressing these legislative needs, which are crucial for improving the ease of doing business and enhancing connections with trade and other ministries.
He concluded by acknowledging the complexities involved in determining whether the OHS department should operate independently or remain part of the ministry, particularly concerning accountability issues.