Background
In July 2008, the Council of Australia Governments formally committed to the harmonisation of OHS legislation by signing an Intergovernmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in OHS (IGA).
The IGA outlines the commitment of all states and territories and the Commonwealth to work together to develop and implement model OHS legislation as the most effective way to achieve harmonisation of OHS Laws in Australia.
The IGA also provides for the establishment of a new independent body to drive the development and implementation of the model OHS legislation. On 3 April 2009, the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC) endorsed the creation of Safe Work Australia and the establishment of the Safe Work Australia Council.
An independent panel has reviewed OHS laws in each state, territory and the Commonwealth and advised WRMC on the optimal structure and content of a model OHS Act that can be adopted in all jurisdictions.
The National OHS Review panel provided two reports making recommendations on the optimal structure and content of a model OHS Act.
WRMC made decisions in relation to the National OHS Review recommendations and provided Safe Work Australia with directions on the scope and content of the model Act in early April 2009.
Page last updated: 30/09/2009