MEDIA RELEASE: Over $1 Million in fines imposed latest sentencing
13 May 2025
On Tuesday, May 12, Pacific National Constructions Pty Ltd (trading as ‘Nowra Cranes’) was convicted of a Category 3 offence by the ACT Industrial Court Magistrate, resulting in a $70,000 penalty.
Nowra Cranes pleaded guilty to a Category 3 offence for failure to comply with a health and safety duty. The offence related to a 14 July 2022 incident, in Jervis Bay.
This sentencing marks a significant milestone for WorkSafe ACT. As a result of successful prosecutions, the court has imposed over $1 million in fines since August 2024. WorkSafe ACT is serious in relation to the enforcement of safety requirements through prosecution.
WHS Commissioner Jacqueline Agius, said, "Our first thoughts are with the workers and families affected by this incident. It’s frustrating to see yet another workplace breach work health and safety laws, despite having procedures in place. This incident is a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring safety rules."
This sentence was one of ten individual WHS prosecutions related to seven workplace incidents presented before the ACT Magistrates Court on May 12.
The Commissioner emphasised that this incident serves as a timely reminder that there are serious consequences when duty holders fail to meet their obligations. She hopes today's outcome and the substantial fines handed out by the court in the last 9 months alone will send a clear message to all businesses: shortcuts with WHS always come at a cost.
This matter was prosecuted by the Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) following an investigation by WorkSafe ACT.
Statement ends.
WorkSafe ACT Media team
0466 927 213
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