Safe Work Australia has published a summary of feedback received during public consultation for the Best Practice Review of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.
Safe Work Australia received 1055 written responses, of which 118 were written submissions and the rest were survey responses, visited each capital city and 2 regional centres (Bunbury in Western Australia and Geelong in Victoria), and held over 100 meetings - gathering insights from employers, industry associations, unions, regulators, government agencies, academics, WHS professionals, community organisations, individuals, and families affected by workplace fatalities and serious injuries.
The consultation summary published today outlines key themes and issues raised through submissions, surveys and meetings.
Key messages:
- Strong ongoing support for the model WHS laws and the goal of national harmonisation - but growing concern about jurisdictional variations
- Differences in compliance and enforcement are undermining harmonisation and creating complexity
- Unions want to improve worker consultation, representation and participation rights
- Businesses want WHS laws that are simple to understand and industry based
- There needs to be a greater focus on emerging risks, including digital work, artificial intelligence and climate‑related hazards.
The feedback provided will inform our final report to WHS ministers, which will be provided for consideration in August 2026.
Learn more about the Best Practice Review and consultation findings.
