Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten, has attended the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a memorial to honour those who have lose their lives as a result of work-related accidents.

 

“The National Workers’ Memorial will honour and pay tribute to all Australians who have died as a result of an incident in the workplace,” Mr Shorten said.

 

“Each year, on average, up to 300 Australians are killed at work and it is estimated more than 2000 will die from industrial diseases caused by exposure at work. That’s nearly 300 workers, mainly fathers and sons, who do not come home from work.”

 

“All employers and workers have a duty to ensure that when somebody leaves their family for the start of each working day, they can expect to return home safely.”