The Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
harmonisation laws are to be implemented by 1 January 2012, a mere
three months away.
The concept of uniform OH&S laws across the country has
gained support as it became evident that the lack of consistency
has been problematic for both employers and employees. Some states
initially expressed hesitation; however, once Queensland initiated
acceptance of the new OH&S laws, other states, including NSW,
moved to pass the set of laws as well.
On 5 May 2011, the recently elected NSW Liberal Government
tabled two Bills which not only introduced the model Work Health
and Safety Act ("WHS Act") but also
expedited many of the changes by proposing amendments to the
current Occupational Health and Safety Act (NSW) 2000
("OHS Act").
