Harmonizing work health and safety (WHS) laws across the country; Minister of Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Richworth;
The Minister welcomed the representative. This week, the National Employer Occupational Safety and Health (NEWHS) Summit was held in Sydney in collaboration with the Australian Industrial Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce (ACCI). We outlined the key government priorities in the WHS portfolio.
r
WHS harmony
“More than 10 years ago, governments across the country signed ambitious goals It harmonizes the WHS Act,” Rishworth said.
“The work carried out since then has provided many benefits to workers and employers across the country, but there is never a field of occupational safety and safety policy.
“Different jurisdictions have brought about changes that could change over time.
“I am determined to move forward with harmony while ensuring that the workplace is kept as safe as possible.”
Safework Australia Best Practice Review
“Last September, the Minister in charge of occupational safety and safety asked me. Safe Work Australia To carry out a review of best practices,” Richworth said.
“Reviews are about capturing what’s working and truly pursuing that best practices will become the norm.
“It’s important for people with real-world experience to provide their own thoughts and observations.”
During the summit, Nathanley, SWA’s Legal & Framework Policy Manager, sought opinions from representatives to inform the review.
Rishworth said it is important that “we will continue to be ambitious and continue to gather and pursue best practices in harmonious ways.”
comcare
Approximately 500,000 employees, and about 60% of them work in the private sector, covering the compensation system for the workers that operate. COMCARE, National Bureau for Occupational Safety and Health and Worker Compensation.
“In the final semester, we appointed an independent panel to review (related) laws and make recommendations to modernize the law,” Rishworth said.
“The panel is being asked to consider how the scheme can address current and future workplace challenges.
“These include a rapid rise in psychological injuries and illnesses, an aging workforce, and changes in labor agreements.
“The panel is in extensive consultation to understand the experiences of injured workers and stakeholders in other schemes and will submit recommendations to the government in September.
“As the workplace and society continue to evolve in general, we will carefully consider these findings to ensure effective human-centered schemes that are becoming sustainable and future for years.”
Improved health and safety communication
“I want to work closely with other governments, regulators and agencies to improve the way WHS obligations are communicated across the industry,” Rishworth said.
“We need to make new efforts to translate the complexities of policy into more digestible and practical measures that people can incorporate, understand, and implement in the workplace.
“In doing so, we can promote deeper understanding, increase compliance and achieve better results for everyone.”
A safe workplace is important
“Making the workplace safer reduces the risk of injuries, illness and even death,” Richworth said.
“When people feel safe in the workplace, they are more productive. We see better wages and benefit from a higher standard of living.
“Every community benefits in making sure the workplace is safe because when something is wrong in the workplace, it not only affects workers, but also spreads to friends, family and the wider community.”
Australia leads
Over the past year, Australia’s national labor-related injury rate has been 3.5%, about a third of the world’s 12.1%.
“It’s a great outcome, but it can’t relieve the pain of people who have been affected by workplace injuries or worse yet,” Richworth said.
“We need to do better.”
annual News The summit gives WHS leaders the opportunity in their second year It will directly engage in key figures from government agencies and regulatory authorities, contributing to WHS policy development.
This year’s event was chaired by Australian Industry Group Tracey Browne and Acci’s Rebecca Sostarko (pictured in the main photo along with MS Rishworth) and incorporated presentations, panel discussions and workshops on a variety of current and emerging issues affecting WHS.
The newly released National Silica Strategic Plan.
Current priorities in Australia, including a Best Practice Review for Safe Work Model WHS Laws.
and the use of technology for safety, including practical use of AI to enhance workplace health and safety.
Regulatory insights on current and emerging challenges.
Ms. Richworth paid tribute to Ms. Brown, Ms. Sostarco and their team for making the summit come true.
At the end of the summit, Ms Brown praised their enthusiasm and representatives; Engagement with presenters, panelists, and each other.
Australian Industrial Group and ACCI are SafeWork Australia employers.
Visit the event gallery To see more photos from 2025 National Employers are Health and Safety (NEWHS) Summit.
