Nationally consistent explosives regulation welcomed by Safe Work Australia

There will now be national consistency in explosives regulation, following a consultation process and a decision to implement reforms.

The Explosives Regulation in Australia: Decision Regulation Impact Statement outlines a variety of reforms that work health and safety ministers have opted to progress.

Last year, Safe Work Australia undertook consultation across the explosives industry to find out how businesses were impacted by differences in explosives legislation across jurisdictions.

Evidence gathered through this consultation indicates that variations in the administrative requirements and processes have a negative impact on business.

This work is the result of a decision by the Council of Australian Governments to progress national consistency in explosives regulation where there are clear benefits to be derived.

There will be nationally consistent approaches in four key areas, including the definition of explosives, the licensing framework, notification processes and the explosives authorisation process.

Safe Work Australia will now commence work on the reform areas on behalf of work health and safety ministers.

Read more about explosives and the current regulatory system in Australia on the Safe Work Australia website.