Work Health and Safety Bill - passed
Thursday, 24 November marked a historic moment for Comcare and for the safety of Australian workers. The Work Health and Safety Bill 2011 and the Work Health and Safety (Transitional and Consequential) Bill 2011 were passed in the senate without amendment and received Royal Assent on 29 November 2011.
The passing of this new legislation demonstrates a commitment by the Commonwealth to harmonise work health and safety laws by 1 January 2012. Harmonised laws will reduce bureaucracy, save businesses money and most importantly improve safety in all Australian workplaces.
To date the harmonised laws have been passed in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Bills are currently before the parliaments of South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.