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The review of the model WHS laws is now complete and the report is available on the Safe Work Australia website.

The review report makes 34 recommendations designed to enhance the WHS framework. Key recommendations relate to the model WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice, including making regulations on psychological health, higher penalties and other measures to strengthen the compliance and enforcement framework and enhance deterrence, and clarifying requirements for meaningful WHS consultation, representation and participation to improve safety outcomes.

The review report is with WHS ministers for consideration and their response to the recommendations is expected later in the year.

Independent reviewer and former Executive Director of SafeWork SA Ms Marie Boland said “The model WHS laws are largely operating as intended but I am recommending some changes to provide clarity and to drive greater consistency in the application and enforcement of the laws across jurisdictions”.

“The three-tier legal framework is widely supported, and there is a view that it is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the evolving nature of work and changing work relationships,” said Ms Boland.

In 2018 Safe Work Australia appointed Ms Boland, a leader in WHS policy and regulation and former Executive Director of SafeWork SA, to conduct a review of the model WHS laws in consultation with key stakeholders including regulators, businesses and the general public.

More information about the review can be found on the Safe Work Australia website.

Source: Safe Work Australia, 25 February 2019

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