Goulburn Flight Training Centre Pty Ltd and director Attilio Giovanni Ferrara have been convicted and fined $100,000 and $150,000, respectively, in the District Court of NSW as a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW.
The proceedings arose from an incident on 27 June 2021, when two people died in a skydiving incident.
Goulburn Flight Training Centre Pty Ltd had pleaded not guilty to two offences pursuant to section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (the Act) for failing to comply with its health and safety duties to workers, and other persons, respectively, under section 19 of the Act.
Attilio Giovanni (John) Ferrara, the sole director of Goulburn Flight Training Centre, had pleaded not guilty to two offences pursuant to section 32 of the Act for failing to comply with his duty as an officer of the business under section 27 of the Act.
The defendants were found guilty by the Court on each of the charges laid against them following a defended hearing.
The full judgment against Goulburn Flight Training Centre and Mr Ferrara can be read on the NSW Caselaw website.
Goulburn Flight Training Centre Pty Ltd and Mr Ferrara have the right to appeal against their convictions and sentences.
Workers who have concerns about workplace health and safety can anonymously contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives website.
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:
“This tragic incident is a reminder of the importance of thoroughly completing all safety checks when conducting high-risk activities, such as skydiving.”
“I extend my condolences to the family of the two people who died.”
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