Saturday 29 October 2005
ABC NT Local News

The Unions NT president has criticised a Darwin court's decision to fine Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) more than $80,000 for failing to operate and maintain a site at its Ranger uranium mine.

The company pleaded guilty to the charge in relation to an accident in July last year in which a 32-year-old contractor was seriously injured while carrying out maintenance work at the mine.

Joe Gallagher says the size of the fine sends a wrong message.

"If something serious happens the company sticks its hand up ... and says, 'well look sorry about that we do admit we run an unsafe workplace' and because they admit it they get a reduced fine. I think it's ludicrous," he said.

Mr Gallagher says unsafe workplaces are unacceptable and ERA should have at least received the maximum fine.

"We don't believe that the fines go far enough and quite frankly in the ACT and hopefully soon in New South Wales legislation may force some of these companies to face manslaughter charges," he said.