Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway on RNZ yesterday morning appeared to be contradicting PM Ardern’s statements about who is responsible for tourists’ safety.
Jacinda Ardern says cruise ship and tour operators are legally responsible for tourists and warn they face million dollar fines and up to five years in JAIL over volcano disaster
The Daily Mail
Jacinda Ardern said WorkSafe will investigate the White Island volcano tragedy
PM said tour operators and cruise liners are legally responsible for passengers
Under WorkSafe regulations, those liable could face jail time or millions in fines
She also revealed the government’s $5M plan to compensate local businesses
Appearing to contradict Ardern’s claims, Lees Galloway on RNZ said that the onus is on individual tourists, not Worksafe, to check that adventure tour operators carry appropriate certification and registration.
Iain Lees-Galloway told Morning Report he wants people to take responsibility this summer while investigations took place.
He said adventure tourism employers and operators had health and safety obligations.
“My advice to anybody who is looking to participate in an adventure activity this summer ask their operator if they are registered because being registered is a strong indication that those operators take health and safety seriously.”
He said people should raise the question at the time of booking an activity.
While Lees-Galloway appears to be suggesting that operators who are registered are safe, White Island Tours was not only registered, it was also regularly audited. Two surveillance audits in fact had been completed in the past two years.
Is this another fail for Ardern to add to her list or has Lees-Galloway got it wrong? They can’t both be right, can they?