ARTICLE · 28 JULY 2008

A National Occupational Health And Safety System Within Five Years?

Clayton Utz

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The Federal Government's review into the Commonwealth, State and Territory occupational health and safety laws, aimed at attempting to achieve a harmonised system within five years, is well under way.

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Key Point

The Federal Government's review into the Commonwealth, State and Territory occupational health and safety laws, aimed at attempting to achieve a harmonised system within five years, is well under way.

On 4 April 2008 the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Honourable Julia Gillard, announced the commencement of a national review into model occupational health and safety (OHS) laws. A three party panel was appointed to make recommendations on the optimal structure and content of a model OHS Act capable of being adopted in all jurisdictions.

On 30 May 2008, the panel released an issues paper to assist interested parties in making submissions, based on its review of State, Territory and Commonwealth OHS legislation.

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