Kim Beazley (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Does mine safety training pertain to the employer-employee relationship or is mine safety training not part of the miner’s job and something which miners are only entitled to do in their own time?

John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mine safety training is something which ought to be not only allowable but a matter of course in this country. My understanding is that mine safety training and matters of mine safety are governed by state law. It is also my understanding that, under the present law, any accredited safety provider can provide that training. It is also my understanding that there have been agreements entered into under the new law which allow for the safety training of people including attending courses provided by unions who are accredited trainers.