ARTICLE · 26 MAY 2014

Changes to Queensland's Health and Safety Act

Norton Rose Fulbright Australia

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Changes to the WHS Act that were passed by the Queensland Parliament in April 2014 took effect on 16 May 2014.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

Bronwyn Williams

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Significant legislative developments affecting employers in Queensland

Introduction

Changes to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) (WHS Act) that were passed by the Queensland Parliament in April 2014 took effect on 16 May 2014. The changes represent a step in the right direction for employers, as they follow the Queensland Government's review assessing the impact and costs of work health and safety laws, and appear to be targeted at alleviating some of the compliance costs burdening employers. The big ticket items relate to tightening union right of entry for safety reasons and restricting the powers of health and safety representatives (HSRs).

These amendments are the latest in a series of changes affecting the industrial relations landscape in Queensland.

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