The Victorian Government has had a rethink over its proposed industrial manslaughter bill. The Bracks Government has now ruled out the possibility that company officers charged over fatal workplace safety breaches would have to prove their innocence rather than deny their guilt.

Under the draft bill, Victorian businesses will still face tough new industrial laws that expose directors and top managers to the possibility of jail over gross negligence in the workplace causing an employee’s death. State Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the legislation will be tough but only those who are “grossfully, wilfully negligent” should be concerned.