ACT Work Safety Legislation 2009

On 27 August 2009, the ACT’s Legislative Assembly passed the Work Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2009. This legislation amends the Work Safety Act 2008 (the Act) as well as supporting legislation.

“As is usually the case when a significant piece of legislation is implemented, amendments to other Acts are needed to ensure consistent terminology. This Bill provides these necessary transitional and consequential amendments for the work safety regime,” said John Hargreaves, MLA. “Most importantly, this involves formally repealing the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 to allow the Act to replace it on 1 October 2009.

“In addition, the amendments will provide for a more effective work safety administration regime to allow for appropriate sharing of protected information. It is essential that safety regulators are able to communicate information which may assist in the protection of workers and the public from risks to their safety.

“The legislation frames these changes carefully so that they are not administratively onerous yet still provide safeguards against the inappropriate use of information and protect rights to privacy. Substantial penalties are imposed for the misuse of protected information.

“When it commences in October, the Act will provide important and comprehensive protection for workers in the Territory. The work safety regime balances the interests of workers and business by providing a measured, future-focused approach to work safety.

“The regime will also make the future transition to nationally harmonised OHS laws simpler in the ACT than in any other jurisdiction.

“Safer workplaces benefit everyone in the community - business owners, workers and their families; and it is incumbent on all of us to consistently strive to make all workplaces in the ACT safer.”