Major work safety reforms in the ACT

The ACT government is overhauling occupational health and safety regulation through the establishment of a new body called WorkSafe ACT and employing an additional five members of staff to enhance work safety in the territory.

“The new WorkSafe ACT will perform a crucial function within the ORS, and will combine the educational and compliance roles under the Commissioner for Work Safety,” Attorney-General Simon Corbell said. “WorkSafe ACT is about providing better enforcement, education and compliance in occupational health and safety in the ACT. The government will invest approximately an additional $2.4 million over the next four years to improve management structure and enhance the regulatory presence around the ACT.

“The government is implementing reforms to clarify the role of the work safety regulator in the community.

“The role of educator and regulator will be delivered by the new branch to be led by the Work Safety Commissioner, who has been integral in providing information to the Canberra community about how to remain safe in the workplace. Now the commissioner will be given the important power to ensure people are complying with the work safety and workers compensation laws in the ACT.”

The additional $2.4m funding will provide for additional inspectors as well as support staff. The government will now develop a detailed draft implementation plan in consultation with a range of key industry stakeholders.

"The government will also undertake reviews of the new arrangements at both six and 12 months of implementation,” Corbell added. “The Work Safety Commissioner has been successful in raising the profile of work safety education in the ACT. Those functions will now be expanded to assume the responsibility for regulation of work safety and workers compensation in the ACT.”