Document dated Apr. 9, 2025, received from NSW PRL Apr. 10, summarized Apr. 14.
On Feb. 19, AST NSW PRL introduced a bill regarding SafeWork NSW.
AST NSW PRL introduced the Work health and safety amendment (standalone regulator) bill 2025, which establishes SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator.
Context
Under the former government, SafeWork NSW was embedded within the Department of Customer Service and was not able to fully discharge the functions expected of it.
The new regulator will be stronger, more robust, better equipped to ensure workplace safety; demonstrates commitment to preventing workplace deaths, injuries, illnesses.
Key Provisions
The bill amends the Work health and safety act 2011 to establish the SafeWork Advisory Council, which will guide workplace safety improvements, comprising employer representatives, unions, WHS expert, injured workers’ advocate.
It provides for the functions, membership and procedures of the advisory council.
AST NSW SFWK's commissioner will be appointed to lead the agency, ensuring strong enforcement, best practices, and meaningful engagement with workers, unions.
Commissioner must take into account council advice when exercising certain functions.
Next Steps
The bill will follow the required legislative process.
Mar. 2025 Legislation Passed
On Mar. 26, 2025, AST NSW FT issued a press release stating the above amendment bill has been passed, to officially establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator.
Document dated Apr. 9, 2025, received from NSW PRL Apr. 10, summarized Apr. 14.
Regulators
AST NSW FT; AST NSW PRL; AST NSW SFWK
Entity Types
Corp
Reference
Act 18/2025, 4/9/2025; PR 3/26/2025; Bill, PR 2/19/2025; Citation: Work health and safety act 2011; Work health and safety amendment (standalone regulator) act 2025;
