A Sydney architectural firm has won a competition to design a national memorial honouring Australians who have lost their lives in workplace accidents. 

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten today unveiled the winning design for the National Workers Memorial in Canberra, saying it was important to recognise the contribution Australia’s workers have had in building the nation. 

“The memorial will honour and pay tribute to all working Australians who have died as a result of work-related accidents, incidents and disease,” Mr Shorten said. 

“It will also provide an important focal point for the national commemoration of Workers’ Memorial Day, recognised internationally on 28 April each year. 

“Architects Johnson Pilton Walker designed a functional memorial, featuring a series of tall, slender columns representing the contributions and sacrifice of workers from each state and territory in Australia.  

“A level plaza and low seating wall allows for commemorative ceremonies, as well as a place for quiet reflection.”  

New South Wales Senator Doug Cameron, the chair of the committee guiding the establishment of the memorial, said it would be an important place for reflection. 

“The memorial will serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of work health and safety and the need for a determined and continued effort by all to prevent work-related accidents and disease,” Senator Cameron said. 

“It will also be a place to reflect on the evolving values, ideas and aspirations of the Australian community in relation to work health and safety.” 

The memorial will be constructed in Kings Park, on the northern shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, in an area designated for non-military commemoration.  

The Australian Government provided $3 million for the construction of the memorial, scheduled for completion before the capital’s centenary celebrations in March 2013. 

A new website will also be developed that links with the memorial, providing an online space for family and community members to interact and find more information about work health and safety issues. 

Johnson Pilton Walker won the design competition from a field of 26 entries.