ARTICLE · 11 NOVEMBER 2012

Two steps forward, one step back: harmonising Australian work health and safety laws

Clayton Utz

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Victoria and WA are yet to agree to sign up to the harmonised WHS legislation, while Qld may diverge from other states.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

Andrew Wydmanski

Robert King

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Key Points:

Victoria and Western Australia are yet to agree to sign up to the harmonised WHS legislation, while Queensland may diverge from other states.

The progress towards nationally uniform work health and safety (WHS) laws has advanced with South Australia passing new legislation. The harmonised WHS laws in South Australia and Tasmania will come into effect on 1 January 2013. Victoria and Western Australia are yet to agree to sign up to the harmonised legislation, while Queensland may diverge from other states.

South Australian changes

On Thursday, 1 November 2012, South Australia's Parliament passed its harmonised Work Health and Safety Act 2011, albeit with some distinct differences that were negotiated with South Australia's independent MP.

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