Victoria’s hotel quarantine scheme probed for workplace law breaches

Daniel Andrews and senior ministers could be grilled in a WorkSafe investigation into safety standards at hotels used for Victoria’s quarantine program.

Daniel Andrews could be grilled during a WorkSafe probe into Victoria’s hotel quarantine program. Picture: Daniel Pockett/NCA NewsWire.

A Worksafe investigation into last year’s disastrous hotel quarantine scheme could see Daniel Andrews and senior ministers grilled.

The probe, which began in August last year, is considering whether hotels used for quarantining returned travellers were safe, and whether there were breaches of workplace laws.

It is understood no ministers have so far been interviewed in relation to the probe, which is looking at the Department of Health, the Department of Jobs, and companies involved in the scheme.

Self Employed Australia, which represents business owners and requested an investigation last year, was told by the watchdog’s enforcement group last week an investigation was “ongoing”.

The group had previously published a list of alleged breaches of the law — including by the Premier, police chiefs and health chiefs — that should be pursued given 801 people died as a result of coronavirus outbreaks.

Small business owners have rallied behind the probe, with former AFL player and small business owner Paul Dimattina saying he was glad the matter was being taken seriously.

Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: Daniel Pockett/NCA NewsWire.

“If you legislate a law then you have to be part of it too; it’s your responsibility to ensure everyone’s health and safety,” he said.

Last year at a parliamentary inquiry then-attorney-general Jill Hennessy said the “Crown is not immune” from workplace laws, and it is understood there is potential for police chiefs, health chiefs and government members to face questions.

Self Employed Australia executive director Ken Phillips said the letter he had received last week was the “clearest confirmation from WorkSafe of an investigation” and ministers should be held accountable.

“No one should be above the law, including those who write the laws,” he said.

Mr Phillips, who has been a member of the Liberal Party, said the matter was not about politics but “about right and wrong”.

“In Victoria, the law required WorkSafe to step in when any workplace contributes to a person’s death,” he said. “These workplaces contributed to 801 deaths. The law is clear.”

Opposition workplace safety spokesman Nick Wakeling said the investigation should have been wrapped up by now and the watchdog “should be taking action by prosecuting”.

A WorkSafe spokesman confirmed an investigation into hotel quarantine was ­ongoing.