SafeWork NSW v Big River Group Pty Ltd [2023] NSWDC 499

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: SafeWork NSW v Big River Group Pty Ltd [2023] NSWDC 499 Hearing dates: 1 November 2023 Date of orders: 17 November 2023 Decision date: 17 November 2023 Jurisdiction: Criminal Before: Strathdee DCJ Decision: (1) The defendant is convicted. (2) The appropriate fine for the offence is $600,000.00, and that will be reduced by 25% to reflect the plea of guilty. (3) That results in a fine of $450,000.00. (4) Accordingly, I order the defendant to pay a fine of $450,000.00. (5) Pursuant to s 122(2) of the Fines Act 1996 (NSW), 50% of the fine imposed is to be paid to the prosecutor. (6) Pursuant to s 257B of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW), the defendant is to pay the prosecutor's costs agreed in the sum of $54,248.00. Catchwords: CRIMINAL LAW – health and safety duty – reasonably practicable SENTENCE – objective seriousness – mitigating factors – aggravating factors – plea of guilty – appropriate discount for the utility of the plea – general deterrence – specific deterrence – remorse and contrition COSTS – prosecutor's costs Legislation Cited: Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) Fines Act 1996 (NSW) Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW) Cases Cited: Bulga Underground Operations v Nash (2016) 93 NSWLR 338 Capral Aluminium Ltd v WorkCover Authority (NSW) (2000) 49 NSWLR 610 Environmental Protection Authority v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246 Haynes v CI & D Manufacturing (No 2), Callaghan v CI & D Industries Pty Limited (No 2) (1995) 60 IR 455 Latoudis v Casey (1990) 170 CLR 534 Lawrenson Diecasting Pty Ltd v WorkCover Authority of New South Wales (1999) 90 IR 464 Markarian v The Queen (2005) 228 CLR 357 Morrison v Powercoal Pty Limited and Anor (No 3) (2005) 147 IR 111 Muldrock v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 120 Nash v Silver City Drilling (NSW) Pty Ltd [2017] NSWCCA 96 R v Cage [2006] NSWCCA 304 R v MA [2004] NSWCCA 92 R v MMK [2006] NSWCCA 272 R v Thomson & Houlton (2000) 49 NSWLR 383 R v Youkhana [2004] NSWCCA 412 SafeWork NSW v Grandcity Constructions Pty Ltd [2018] NSWDC 398 SafeWork NSW v HCM Building Pty Ltd [2019] NSWDC 632 Saunders Civilbuild Pty Ltd v SafeWork NSW [2023] NSWCCA 261 WorkCover Authority (NSW) (Inspector Egan) v Atco Controls Pty Ltd (1998) 82 IR 80 WorkCover Authority (NSW) v Profab Industries Pty Ltd (2000) 49 NSWLR 700 WorkCover Authority (NSW) v Sarjame Storage Pty Ltd [2015] NSWDC 151 Category: Sentence Parties: SafeWork NSW (Prosecutor) Big River Group Pty Ltd (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: Mr M Scott (for the Prosecutor) Mr R Coffey (for the Defendant)