First report
The Panel's first report (DOC 1.6MB | PDF 984KB ) was completed by 31 October 2008 in accordance with the review's terms of reference.
Second report
The Panel's second report (DOC 6.3MB | PDF 2.2MB)
was completed by 30 January 2009 in accordance with the review's terms of reference.
Second report on harmonised safety laws released
At the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC) meeting on 12 February 2009, Ministers noted the second report of the National Review into Model OHS Laws.
As required by the review’s terms of reference, the second report contains findings and makes recommendations on other specified matters that were not covered in the review panel’s first report. These matters that are relevant to a model OHS Act address:
- scope and coverage, including definitions;
- workplace-based consultation, participation and representation provisions, including the appointment, powers and functions of health and safety representatives and/or committees;
- enforcement and compliance, including the role and powers of OHS inspectors, and the application of enforcement tools including codes of practice;
- regulation-making powers and administrative processes, including mechanisms for improving cross-jurisdictional cooperation and dispute resolution;
- permits and licensing arrangements for those engaged in high risk work and the use of certain plant and hazardous substances;
- the role of OHS regulatory agencies in providing education, advice and assistance to duty holders; and
- other matters the review panel has identified as being important to health and safety that should be addressed in a model OHS Act.
The review panel, consisting of Robin-Stewart Crompton (chair), Stephanie Mayman and Barry Sherriff, were guided by the scope and principles set out in the review’s terms of reference.
Mr Stewart-Crompton said, “Together, the panel’s two reports discuss and make recommendations for the optimal structure and content of a model OHS Act that is able to be taken up by Australia’s various OHS jurisdictions. We make these recommendations following a comprehensive process of information gathering, research and consultation.
“We again express our appreciation to the many representatives of various organisations and the individuals who assisted us greatly by taking the time to meet with us and provide submissions.”
Any enquiries about the review can be made to the National OHS Review Secretariat by email at enquiries@nationalohsreview.gov.au or by phoning 1300 131 798.
First report on harmonised safety laws released
At the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC) meeting on 5 November 2008, Ministers noted the first report of the National Review into Model OHS Laws.
As required by the review’s terms of reference, the first report makes recommendations on the priority areas of duties of care and the nature and structure of offences, including defences.
The second and final report, covering other matters relevant to a model OHS Act, will be completed by 30 January 2009.
A copy of the first report was released with the communiqué following the WRMC meeting and is also available at http://nationalohsreview.gov.au
The review panel, consisting of Robin-Stewart Crompton (chair), Stephanie Mayman and Barry Sherriff, noted that they were guided by the scope and principles set out in the review’s terms of reference.
Mr Stewart-Crompton said, “The recommendations we make in our first report are the result of a comprehensive process of information gathering, research and consultation.
“We again express our appreciation to the many representatives of various organisations and the individuals who took the time to meet with us and provide submissions. They assisted us greatly and will be similarly important for the completion of our second report.”
Any enquiries about the review can be made to the National OHS Review Secretariat by email at enquiries@nationalohsreview.gov.au or by phoning 1300 131 798.