NICNAS States and Territories MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) Group

Standing (L to R): Ms Raphaela Jarvis (OASCC – proxy for Mr Wayne Creaser), Mr Errol Conroy (QLD), Mr Bill Brodie (ACT), Mr Lewis Norman (NICNAS Secretariat), Dr Usha St George (NSW), Dr Jeff Langley (WA), Mr Ross Rootes (VIC), Mr Ian Graham (TAS). Seated (L to R): Dr Margaret Hartley (Director, NICNAS), Dr Joe Crea (SA), Dr Wafa El-Adhami (Deputy Director, OCS), Dr Roshini Jayewardene (Leader, Regulatory Strategy and Reform, NICNAS), Dr David McAdam (DEH – proxy for Dr Philip Sinclair). Absent: Mr Steve Caldwell (NT).

The NICNAS States and Territories Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Group continued as an efficient and effective forum for information exchange between Australian Government and state and territory government workplace safety regulators as well as coordinating across other relevant agencies with a role in chemicals controls.

In 2005-06 the MOU representatives were advised of progress towards security sensitive chemicals proposed controls and the consolidation of OHS legislation at the state level, as well as emerging chemical safety issues such as nanotechnology. Additionally, they were updated about progress towards the implementation of international treaties and LRCC reforms.

The MOU group provided valuable input to the EC Program Review with several members contributing directly to the Review via dedicated working groups as well as serving in the RSC. It is expected that the implementation of the review recommendations will lead to of an enhancement of the existing MOU through closer ties to other agencies not currently represented by MOU group membership.

Progress towards the establishment of guidelines for the exchange of confidential information between NICNAS and the states and territories was finalised during 2005-06.

Terms of reference of the NICNAS States and Territories MOU group and membership details are given at Appendix 04.