The explanatory memorandum explains the intended operation of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, including amendments to the Act up until 24 November 2023.

On 11 December 2009, the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council endorsed the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Bill. The intention is that the Commonwealth and each state and territory government will enact a workplace health and safety Bill to commence on 1 January 2012.

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 2009 with the provision of the Review panel's second and final report to the Workplace Relations Ministers' Council (WRMC).