Cafe owner fined for abusing official

A cafe owner has been convicted and fined $5500 after attacking a WorkSafe inspector during a visit to his premises.

The female inspector was visiting the cafe in Gungahlin as part of an inspection of cafes and takeaway outlets when the incident occurred in July last year.

She had previously identified health and safety issues that needed fixing in the business and was making a return visit to check they had been addressed.

WorkSafe ACT Commissioner Mark McCabe said the man physically obstructed the woman from carrying out her duties and then removed her from the cafe.

The ACT Magistrates Court heard the man had also been verbally abusive. He was convicted in early June.

In a statement, Mr McCabe said the court case was a reminder that inspectors were public officials and should be allowed to work without intimidation, resistance or hindrance.

Mr McCabe said WorkSafe inspectors also had the right to be safe while working.

Source: The Canberra Times, 3 August 2012