Monday 22nd February 2021

Multiple charges over apprentice jockey's death. 

WorkSafe has charged a turf club with six alleged breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure people were not exposed to risks.

A 22-year old apprentice jockey died when she was thrown from her horse when riding on a Cranbourne Racecourse track section on 30 August 2019.

WorkSafe alleges the club failed to maintain the sand trails and ensure it was safe for use.

The horse trainer was also charged with two breaches for failing to ensure it's employees did not ride the sand trails track in the dark.

The matter is listed for a hearing at the Melbourne Magistrate's Court next month, 17 March.

More information on the WorkSafe Vic website.

A mining giant has caused irreparable damage to sacred Indigenous sites. 

Australia's major mining company, Rio Tinto, admits the decision to blow up sacred sites in Pilbara has caused irreparable damage to the region.

After the release of its 2020 report, the mining giant accepted blame for destroying the Juukan Gorge caves, which were of significant importance to Aboriginal communities.

Rio Tinto's management overlooked the site's historical importance when the mining agreements were organised between 2006 and 2011.

The company stated, 'The decision to destroy the rock shelters was taken nearly eight years ago but, because mining is such a long-cycle industry, that decision was not actually implemented until 2020.'

An archaeological study of the region in 2013 and 2014 should have prompted an internal review. The company is taking steps to overhaul its processes and approach to cultural heritage.

Rio Tinto's newly appointed chief executive Jakob Stausholm said, 'Our destruction of the 46,000-year old rock shelters at Juukan Gorge in Western Australia was a breach of that leadership and our values.'

Three executives have resigned from the company following the scandal.

Full story can be found on the BBC News website.