In early 2007, a national review panel (Panel)
was established to review the Occupational Health and Safety
(OHS) laws across the country. The Panel was to
report to the Deputy Prime Minister and to provide model OHS
legislation to be adopted nationally. The Panel was tasked with the
difficult job of drafting a model OHS Act that promotes safe
workplaces, increases certainty for duty holders and reduces
compliance costs for business while providing greater clarity for
regulators without compromising safety outcomes.
The Panel has now released two reports setting out its findings
and recommendations. The reports, which complement each other and
should be read together, provide recommendations on the optimal
structure and content of a model OHS Act that is capable of being
adopted in all jurisdictions.
