Labour Hire in the ACT: Discussion Paper Consultation
The ACT Government has committed to developing a licensing scheme to encourage responsible practices in the ACT labour hire sector. A discussion paper seeking views on labour hire licensing scheme design has been released. Responses can be sent to wsir@act.gov.au. Submissions close on Friday 26 July 2019.
Labour Hire Discussion Paper Consultation1.3 MB
Labour Hire Discussion Paper Consultation635 KB
Independent review of the ACT’s work safety, compliance infrastructure, policies and procedures
On 24 May 2018, the then Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations announced that an independent review would be undertaken into the ACT’s work safety, compliance infrastructure, policies and procedures.
Nous Group was subsequently appointed to undertake the review.
The final report of the independent review has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Work Health and Safety
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 came into effect in the ACT on 1 January 2012. This Act has replaced the former Work Safety Act 2008. The Act provides a legislative framework to secure the health, safety and wellbeing of all workers in the Territory.
A new set of supporting regulations, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 also came into effect on 1 January 2012.
The Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations Division in the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate is responsible for policy aspects of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. Access Canberra (WorkSafe ACT) in responsible for ensuring compliance with these laws, including enforcement and other regulatory matters.
Work Health and Safety Act and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 replaced the former Work Safety Act 2008 with effect from 1 January 2012. Further information can be found at the Access Canberra website.
The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 provides additional detail on specific work issues, such as workplace arrangements, facilities, licensing high risk work, construction, plant safety, electricity safety and performing hazardous manual tasks.
Dangerous Substances
The Dangerous Substances Act 2004 provides the statutory framework for regulating the way that dangerous goods and hazardous substances are managed in the ACT. Dangerous substances include, for example, chemicals, asbestos, fireworks and other types of explosives.
The Dangerous Substances Act complements other laws that provide for regulation of work health and safety, environmental protection, handling infectious and radioactive material, control of firearms and ammunition, drugs and the transportation of dangerous goods. Together, these laws are intended to ensure that there is a comprehensive system of regulation and control of materials and situations that could cause significant injury to people or damage to property and the environment if not properly managed.
The Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations Division in the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate is responsible for policy aspects of the Dangerous Substances Act. Access Canberra (WorkSafe ACT) is responsible for ensuring compliance with these laws, including enforcement and other regulatory matters.
Further specific information can be found on the Asbestos website.
ACT Work Health and Safety Council
The ACT Work Health and Safety Council (WHS Council) is established under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. The newly constituted WHS Council follows changes to the previous ACT Work Safety Council made under the Work Health and Safety Amendment Act 2019. The WHS Council provides advice to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety on matters relating to work health and safety, workers' compensation, workplace relations, bullying in the workplace and other workplace psychosocial issues. In addition, the WHS Council also has a strengthened function in advising the Minister in relation to the activities and function of the ACT's work health and safety regulator.
The Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety appoints WHS Council Members on a part time basis for up to four years. The WHS Council is comprised of twelve appointed Members: five members following consultation with employee representatives, five members following consultation with employer representatives and two ex-officio Members: the WHS Commissioner and the Public Sector Workers Compensation Commissioner.
A list of current WHS Council can be obtained from the Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations Division of the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate.
Communiqué
Previous ACT Work Safety Council meetings
Contact Us
Email: worksafetypolicy@act.gov.au