Safe storage, handling or disposal of dangerous goods is critical to protecting Victorian workers, the community and the environment.
That's why the Allan Labor Government is improving safety by modernising the regulation of dangerous goods and
strengthening WorkSafe's ability to enforce compliance with dangerous goods laws.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll today announced the new Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Dangerous Goods) Bill 2026 and the Dangerous Goods Transport Bill 2026 will be introduced to Parliament.
Dangerous goods are chemicals that carry inherent risks to persons or property, such as goods that are corrosive, flammable, combustible, explosive, oxidising or have other hazardous properties.
The changes in this Bill deliver on the Victorian Government's commitment to implement reforms recommended in the Final Report of the Independent Review of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 by Andrew Palmer KC, now Judge Palmer, released in October 2022.
The reforms were recommended following an independent review commissioned by Labor after a series of major chemical fires in suburban Melbourne caused by illegal chemical stockpiling - releasing toxic smoke and dangerous substances into surrounding neighbourhoods.
The reforms will:
- Embed dangerous goods regulation into the existing Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act), including a new duty to handle dangerous goods safely.
- Create a new Dangerous Goods Transport Act (DGT Act) covering road, rail, boat and inland waterways.
- Crack down on dodgy bosses by making it an offence to risk serious injury or death involving dangerous goods.
- Strengthen WorkSafe's prosecution powers and give courts broader sentencing options.
This is the most significant change to Victoria's dangerous goods framework in more than 40 years - improving safety, strengthening enforcement and supporting businesses to make their workplaces safer.
Only Labor is taking action to protect Victorian workers.
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll
"Workers who handle dangerous goods deserve to be protected."
"We're making sure dangerous goods don't hurt workers or the environment with new laws that keep bosses accountable."
