WRMC Response to OHS Review Recommendations
In a key step toward making the harmonisation of OHS laws a reality, the National Review into Model OHS Laws (the Review) concluded in January this year with the provision of the Review panel's second and final report to the Workplace Relations Ministers' Council (WRMC). The two Review reports make recommendations on the optimal structure and content of a model OHS Act that can be adopted in all jurisdictions.
WRMC welcome the Review reports which represent a balanced and inter-related package of measures for the purpose of informing the development of a model OHS Act. WRMC commend the Review panel on its contribution to the important task of achieving uniform OHS laws.
WRMC note that in formulating its recommendations, the Review panel had regard to the views of all interested stakeholders expressed through submissions to the Review and during stakeholder consultations conducted by the panel. WRMC further note that the Review recommendations are designed to be read as an overall package of OHS reform.
WRMC gave detailed consideration to the package of recommendations outlined in the Review reports. In taking decisions on the Review recommendations, WRMC was guided by the opinions of the expert panel as well as stakeholder and jurisdictional views. WRMC was also conscious of the directive from the Council of Australian Governments that the model OHS laws do not compromise standards for legitimate safety concerns. The result of WRMC’s deliberations on each of the 232 Review recommendations is outlined in the document below.
WRMC Response to Recommendations of the National Review into Model OHS Laws
Communique from Australian, State, Territory and New Zealand Workplace relations Ministers' Council - 81st Meeting 18 May 2009
A full list of WRMC communiques and reports can be accessed on www.workplace.gov.au website.