Safe Work Australia has opened public consultation on the impact of potential changes to crane licensing under the model WHS laws.
The High Risk Licensing Framework under the model WHS laws aims to prevent injuries and fatalities by ensuring crane operators are properly trained, qualified and competent.
Public consultations held in 2022 and 2024 on proposed crane licensing reforms informed SWA’s development of several potential changes to the licensing system.
Following these consultations, SWA Members considered options for broader updates to the High Risk Work Licensing Framework.
Based on these decisions, the Agency prepared a draft impact analysis covering 7 possible changes. These proposed changes include introducing new types of licences and updating the requirements for existing crane licences.
Further potential changes to crane licensing will be addressed in a through a similar process later in 2026.
This consultation process seeks feedback on the impact analysis as well as seeking further evidence around the costs and benefits of each option. Safe Work Australia welcomes submissions from anyone with an interest in crane regulations – submissions can be on all, or only some, of the reforms that may affect you or your organisations.
Your feedback will form part of a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that will be considered by WHS Ministers.
Who should participate?
Anyone with an interest in crane regulation including workers, employers, business owners, suppliers and manufacturers, industry and peak bodies, WHS regulators, WHS professionals and academics
How to have your say
The consultation is open until 11:59 pm (AEST) on Monday 4 May 2026. Submissions can be made using our Consultation Hub.