Diary Notes

20/08/2008 1:21:49 PM

Monday 20th August 2008 - UPDATES

Jeez, still trying to get the new website finished.  What was I thinking when I decided it needed an upgrade.  Next time I get that bright idea, someone please hit me with a piece of 2x4!  Technical glitches aside, it’s slowly getting there and besides, it gives me something to do at 3.00 am in the morning.

I got an email from a gorgeous young lady - she lost her partner Matthew in the Gladstone explosion.  Carly is just 22 and she and Matthew were just beginning to enjoy their brand new family with the birth of baby Ethan just a few months before Matthew and his co-workers were killed.  I’m amazed at the determination of this young woman as she faces a life without a father for their child.  You hang in there Carly, we are so proud and honoured to have you on board.

I flew to Olympic Dam last week (or was it the week before?) ... Met some key people in safety management and presented ‘Reflections’ to them.  What can I say, it was an eye opener for me.  I gained a new perspective or at least what I learned gave me some hope that the we all want the same thing.  Actually I want to write more about this trip because initially I came away a little confused.  What I didn’t expect was to meet some very prominent people within one of Australia’s largest companies and have a down to earth, honest chat about workplace death.  Anyway, that story will come soon.

I’m off to Tasmania again this year with “Reflections” for the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce.  I did a presentation for them last year at the Crown Casino and this year their conference is being held in Launceston .

Get into the BLOG’s guys, I want to hear what you all have to say.  

 

Thursday 31st July 2008 - NEW LOOK WEBSITE AND LOADS STILL TO COME

If all this has worked, then I am hoping you’re now looking at the new website!  There is still so much work to be done but I really wanted to update you with some of the new developments.

We enjoyed another wonderful gathering on Sunday the 27th July and I am most embarrassed to have neglected to say a very warm thank you to Edith Logan who planned the luncheon - and also of course to Gavin for having us at his wonderful hotel once again.  When I have managed to get this website uploaded and working, I’ll come back here and fill you all in on what’s been happening ... Until then, the www calls --- fingers crossed it all runs smoothly!

 

Friday 6th June 2008 - THE 4TH ANNIVERSARY HAS COME AROUND.

I'm not going to fill this diary with a whole load of thoughts about today and the last few weeks.  It's pointless.

There's been some new files uploaded on Daniel's tribute pages.  Ashley has spent a few days here updating her pages and I wrote something in the very early hours of the night last night.

Ashley's New Page

My Update

Anyway ... the links are here ... and no apologies for my terrible language.  Sometimes I get tired of being diplomatic.

Rest in Peace Danny ... we love you.

 

Sunday 11th May 2008 - MOTHER'S DAY

Yes Lee ... Mother's Day still sucks...

I spent the day hovering between the computer (writing letters) and bed.  One moment the anger would drive me to 'do something' constructive and the next hour I was overwhelmed and drained.  I guess it's been a tough few weeks - after the beauty of the Worker's Memorial Day it all went down hill from there what with the courts and then Mother's Day.  Ain't no happy pill on earth that can mask that kind of anguish ... and of course June 6th is just around the corner - the 4th anniversary...God it's an endless cycle.  I swear at times I wonder what the hell keeps me here.   

But today there was a tiny light at the end of the tunnel with the story done by Channel 7 news tonight.  The segment brought the plight of grieving Mothers to light on Mother's Day with an excellent story on our wonderful 'Salvemini' family and the loss of their son Jack.  Well done guys, I think they did a lovely job and with each of these tributes, the focus on Workplace safety remains alive.  Kudo's to 7 News for their efforts...!

8th May 2008 - COURT ROOMS

It seemed so unfair to move so quickly from that beautiful day of remembrance straight into the cold face of the court rooms, but for families who are still working their way through a quest for answers, none of this is fair.

Lee Salvemini was sitting in the Industrial Court just a couple of days after the service to hear what was to be said about the death of his son Jack.  That momentous occasion lasted just minutes as yet another adjournment took place.  Let's see what happens on July 23rd.  

I travelled to the Supreme Court Monday and Tuesday.  I don't want to go into the whole saga - it felt like a re-run of the Full Court hearing only in a different place and with different ears hearing the same old argument.  It's all a little lost on me - especially since through all of this, these Barrister's in all their wisdom and knowledge seem unable to pronounce a deceased worker's name correctly.  It may well seem a minor detail to them but for me, his Mother - it continues to remind me just how unimportant his life is to those who created this turmoil.  For the record .. his name is Daniel Madeley (pronounced Made-ley not Madd-ly).  Out of respect for him, I do hope that can be remedied for future reference.

Peter Adams (SafeWork SA) and Lee Salvemini (VOID) came long as did Colin Sleep (VOID) on the Tuesday.  Thank you for coming to support me.  

And yes...once again I am reminded that arguing their case is South Australia's "Employer of the Year" ... the joke of the year in my very humble opinion.  Imagine had that explosion at Santos happened at a time the place was not in shut down??  Yes I know ... but it didn't.  Hmmm...was that good management or just pure chance?  I am so angry about this.  No, I'm sorry but I can not let it go.

2nd May 2008 - INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY REPORT - and other news...

The memorial service was such a lovely affair - I think everyone that attended agreed this day is worth developing into something special.  Each year we think of new ways to build on the memorial ... each year it becomes more pointed with a more powerful message.

My thanks to all those involved on making the day happen.  I have added a new menu button (top) that will take you to the memorial day pages and while I still have some work to do on all that, there are pictures there.  Keep checking back as I find a little more time I'll keep adding more.

Just a heads up on a couple of cases being heard right now ...

The trial involving the death of Gregory Sleep who died at the smelters at Pt Pirie is well and truly underway now.  Most of it was being heard in Pt Pirie but on Monday and Tuesday the 12th and 13th May there will be 2 days being heard in the Industrial Courts here.

The charges against the employer/s of Jack Salvemini (fisherman) is still in adjournment stage.  I think Lee mentioned that this will be the 3rd. His family will have to endure another couple of months waiting. Hang in there Lee ... eventually they will run out of airs and graces and someone will have to make an appearance and answer some questions.

I'm off to the Supreme Court on Monday morning - 1400 days and counting ... and to think I'll be sitting in the Supreme Court with the legal team that is representing this state's safest workplace ... winner of Employer of the Year no less.  Good Lord give me strength.

24th April 2008 - IT'S A VERY BUSY TIME

The months to follow are very busy for VOID and its family.  There are many anniversaries that come during this time as well as the memorial day service.

This year I think the service will be very special - hoping to cater for those who may not ordinarily walk into a church.  The people at the Pilgrim Uniting Church and the Uniting Church of SA have enthusiastically gotten behind the day.  I think this service will be the most powerful yet ... behind the scenes its all go as last minute details are tidied up.

To those family members coming - remember to bring a photo of your loved one so we can display it on the table.  

For those who can not attend but would still like a balloon released, please contact me at amadeley@activ8.net.au or call 0417 819 745 as soon as possible so that we can make that happen for you.  If the call goes to answering service, please leave a message with the details of what you would like on the balloon.  I'm going to be very busy over the next few days so may not have a chance to get back to everyone.  

Also a reminder for those who would like to join us for lunch afterward (12.00pm at the Crown & Sceptre) please call Edith on 83883595 to let her know so she can get the final numbers to the hotel.

Oh and the biscuits ... for those who said they would, don't forget to start baking!  

2nd April 2008 - JUST A QUICK MESSAGE

I've received a lot of calls and emails today to see how I am after the Advertiser story on the rally and that rather embarrassing picture of me on the ground.  <sigh>

I think it was just a bit of emotion and adrenalin.  My legs and arms suddenly felt like they were 100 years old and I went down like a ton of bricks.  My thanks to Rosemary (WIRC) for being there...which probably afforded me the luxury of a more graceful landing than otherwise may have occurred.

So - worry no more...apart from a splitting head ache later in the day I came through pretty much unscathed.  Besides ... a little pain helps to remind me I'm still alive (it helps to check sometimes)...which is more than I can say for my son and those other beautiful souls who have lost their lives on the job.  

Truth is - I'm never alone.

1st April 2008 - WORKCOVER UNDER FIRE AND ANOTHER WORKPLACE FATALITY ALL ON THE SAME DAY

Today was the day the Unions and workers joined arms to protest the proposed changes to the Workers Compensation Act. READ REPORT

Today was the day another worker lost his life while doing his job.  Our thoughts go out to the family.  Lord let them be treated with some dignity and respect by the various organisations please ...?

Today was the day I got something that's been bugging me for months off my chest and I did that in front of hundreds of people on the steps of Parliament House.  The question was for Premier Mike Rann and Minister Michael Wright - and that question was ..."How was it that Santos Ltd was awarded the highest prize in safety awards - Employer of the Year?"

Santos Ltd was charged by the Crown's office for failing its duty of care during an incident where a dangerous and deadly gas cloud endangered several workers lives.  The company management and its supposed 'wonderful safety culture' has chosen to take the path of legal 'loop holes' and technical arguments - a question of law - rather than answer to these charges.  That's their right - but to then reward them by awarding them the top acknowledgement in safety standards???  Hello?  

I keep wondering if we'd seen Australian of the Year awarded to someone - oh I dunno ... David Hicks?  How would the public react?  This isn't a stab at Mr Hicks personally, just a point I'm trying to make.  It comes back to how much the decision makers in this state values its workforce.

Seems to me that when it comes to big powerful business influence, we'll be placated with almost anything.  Well, perhaps not - judging by the reaction of the crowd, I'm not the only one who thinks it all smells a bit rancid.

Today was also the day Xinifex began its bid to fight charges laid against the company for breaches of the OHS&W ACT - resulting in the death of Colin Sleep's brother Gregory Sleep.  Our thoughts are with his brother Colin and Greg's family at this time.  The trial is being held in Pt Pirie.  

It's been an exhausting day.  I'm signing off for the night.

19th February 2008 - SA UNIONS BOSS JANET GILES QUITS THE WORKCOVER BOARD

The news yesterday - Janet Giles resigns from the WorkCover Board.  I can imagine that would have been a tough call for her.  On one hand, being on the board would allow some level of input in order to look after the welfare of the injured worker, on the other one could imagine the frustration of feeling gagged with the decisions being made.

The obvious downside to Janet Giles' resignation is that the South Australian worker has now lost an important voice on that board.  That's not a comforting thought.  Mind you...I understand completely why she felt the need to resign.  I could not imagine having to endure hours of ridicule talks targeted at the injured worker, knowing full well how negatively WorkCover impacts the lives of good people.

I think its time we sent the Government and the WorkCover board a little message.  I'll be meeting with Janet tomorrow on another matter - and now that she is free to tackle the lazy giant, let's see if we can't organise something that will allow those affected by the organisation to have their say.

9th February 2008 - WHAT HAPPENED?

That's two fatalities so far this calendar year (at least that's all we're aware of) ... and we're barely a week out of the 2nd month.

The media caught onto the news of the fatal accident that claimed the life of a worker at the Moomba gas plant.  They missed the story of the fatal accident that claimed the life of the worker at Bedford Industries just a few days later - a woman was run down by a forklift.  

Many thanks to David for the heads up on the matter.  Apparently a couple of lines were printed in today's Advertiser - pushed back into the depths of page 22 somewhere.  Nothing came up on my Advertiser electronic alerts.  I think the only coverage was via the ABC regional section (check out the MEDIA link at the bottom of this page).  

Our hearts go out to the two families and the co-workers who are now learning to cope with these two terrible tragedies. It's all life changing...absolutely devastating.  Peace be with you.

I was watching some of the discussions on the Advertiser website in relation to the story on the SANTOS Moomba fatality.  It's quite the heated discussion.  You can read the forum if you click here >>> just scroll to the bottom of the page to read the dialogue.  I won't go into it ... but I found the comments really interesting.  Someone said that workplace fatalities were down 200% ...

Well?  Perhaps it's because we've talked about it a whole lot more over the last 18 months or so?  Perhaps it's because it's been a subject of hot media focus?  It's on the minds of worker / employer and of course the departments who control the matter?

I just hope this momentum is not lost.  

31st January 2008 - ANOTHER HEART BREAKING STORY ...

Last night I received a phone call from a lovely lady who had lost her husband a few years ago.  It didn't take too long for me to work out who she was on account of the case histories that I had worked through when setting up this website.

Once again I hear the dialogue turn to one of confusion, frustration... anguish.  The same issues arise surrounding WorkCover and the workers compensation system.  This widow was felt deserted by WorkCover.  There's a tiny clause in the Workers Compensation Act that allowed them to walk away from this family.  It's questionable as to whether or not WorkCover were correct in their decision to dump this woman's entitlement but in the end we know today they'll do what they can to save a dollar.  Widows have no choice but to employ expensive lawyers and test these decisions.  This can take years and years. 

...AND...

The employer was found guilty for breaches of safety under the OHS&W Act some time ago. Once again I am listening to how a family has been left feeling isolated.  We see this often.  Companies move into damage control.  There's a fuzzy line now as to just who is suffering here ... who stands to lose what.  Communication becomes strained...compassion and empathy disappear.  This is business ... yes it is ... and it's surprising just how quickly legal issues, profit and prosperity take precedence over human life.   

It struck me (yet again) that here we have a family that has, one tragic day, suddenly had its chore ripped out as a direct result of somebody else's negligence.  The people responsible for the mess they create see themselves as victims in these fatal disasters.  Those left with families shattered are grappling with the emerging reality that there is NO safety net.  Good hard working people who once believed in justice; in human beings doing right by one another, now realise just how little they matter in the big scheme of things.  

I think we spoke for some 2 1/2 hours.  Given the industry her husband worked in, I felt confident that through VOID she would have someone to talk with who understood the complexity of the industry.  There's no shortage of deceased fisherman within our group ... our small but growing numbers already has 3 grave sites marked with similar hapless mistakes and a long trail of heartbroken families trying to understand...

Onward we go ... 

17th January 2008 - I SAY GOODBYE TO BLAISE 

I know she was just a dog but she was a member of my family.  She was a part of the perfect picture that used to be my family ... when Daniel was in the picture too.

Ever since his death I have dreaded the day the rest of the family will also leave...and of course it was always inevitable.  Blaise was the oldest.  She was 5 1/2 when Daniel died.  The Bernese Mountain Dog does not have a long lifespan (average 8-9 years) but she was a good girl - she stayed with me well beyond that...but yesterday my dear old girl told me she couldn't go on.  The vet came to our home and she went to sleep in my arms at 3.50pm.

I feel so drained again.  She was old I know...she at least lived a full life - but heck it all just adds up doesn't it?  I look around at all my animals now and it scares me.  How am I ever going to say goodbye to them all?  What will I do when that perfect picture of my perfect life pre-2004 ends up with just me left? 

Anyway of course I had to do a tribute to my grand ol' girl Blaise.  If you like dogs you might enjoy this. 

8th January 2008 - ANOTHER OF HIS BIRTHDAY'S COMES AND GOES...

Oh Lord, I do believe enough is enough.  

I spent today sitting at this damned computer on the day of what would have been my dead son's 22nd birthday - with a ton of anger, a song stuck in my head and a host of pictures to put together.  

I didn't want to let ONE MORE day go by without letting the bastards know that I think their slow, archaic self indulging systems of justice is nothing more than an enormous ego stroking parade.

10 hours later this was the finished product.  CLICK HERE

6th January 2008 - THE YEARS END AND THANK GOD THAT YEAR IS OVER

Did I mention I hate this time of year? 

Sam was working at Roxby so he managed to escape the sad mood around here over Christmas.  I spent the day alone with my dogs and I can honestly say that this was a much better plan than putting on a fake smile and being around all the festivities with my partner's family.  Xmas just doesn't work anymore and that's all there is to it.  Blah blah blah...same old story.

On the 26th August the Senior Judges handed down their decision on the DIEMOULD and SANTOS LTD argument ... a month later an appeal was lodged with the Supreme Court.  How sick am I of waiting for this bloody process to end?  I have STILL not heard when this case is to be heard!!!  Last I checked was some weeks prior to Christmas and the word was - no word.  Can't imagine what is going on...how hard is it to set a date for crying out loud.

If I ever needed to be reminded about how insignificant the notion of 'peace of mind' is within our judiciary system, I suppose the message is coming in loud and clear from the lawyers and barristers that push time and time again for delays. I wish I could sit the whole damned judiciary system in one room and ask them what they think this must be like for family waiting for some answers.  Oh who and I kidding...like they'd give a flying toss.  Time is money ... 

Oh and the other news - yes and I should be making a real song and dance about this but I just don't have the energy.  The Penalties Bill has made it .... by the time everyone goes back to work after the new year break the tougher penalties will be law.  Jolly good...that's one down and about a hundred other issues to tackle.

In two days time I will be sitting contemplating yet another sad day ... my dead son's birthday.  Like I said, I hate this time of year.

Hugs to all the families in the group ... I am sorry if I went a bit quiet but I know of all the people I know, no one would understand better than you.

 

These diary entries are designed to help others relate to some of the process that may face them if they too are going through a similar ordeal.  They are also a means of me being able to clear my thoughts.  So much goes through your mind as you trudge step by step through the mine field so I thought why not recount the process so as it may benefit others.