Phil, I agree that the failure of the HIP scheme manifested with the deaths of four workers but the Royal Commission was less about the deaths (which had already been examined by Coroners and prosecuted by State OHS regulators) and more about the design of the program and the decisions made that increased the risk of failure.

Earlier HIP articles discuss the failed risk register, the misunderstanding of federal-State OHS laws by public servants, negligence and the lack of accountability. I believe it is these elements, and some others from the Royal Commission, that the Abbott Government intends to focus on.

Richard, many of my colleagues think that nothing of consequence will come from the Government’s response to the Royal Commission. I think there will be change but not nearly as much as is required for longterm change.