On 30 June 2014, ministers responsible for work health and safety from all Australian governments agreed to release an Issues Paper and Consultation regulation impact statement (RIS) examining improvements to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. In 2008, COAG signed an agreement to implement model WHS laws across the country. The model WHS Act, model WHS Regulations and model Codes of Practice were agreed – together these make up the model WHS laws. Seven jurisdictions (the Commonwealth, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania), have since adopted the model WHS laws. The current review process is investigating ways in which model WHS laws could be improved to reduce red tape and make it easier for businesses and workers to comply with their work health and safety responsibilities, as agreed by the Council of Australian Governments. A COAG consultation RIS – incorporating an issues paper – was prepared by the agency supporting Safe Work Australia, and has been approved by the Office of Best Practice Regulation. The consultation period closes on 1 August 2014.
123KB]
254KB]