Public Consultation on Maritime Crane Safety

Safe Work Australia Media

Published March 16th, 2026

Detected March 16th, 2026

Summary

Safe Work Australia has launched a public consultation seeking feedback on improving crane safety in the maritime sector. The consultation paper outlines potential reform options, and submissions are open until April 27, 2026.

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What changed

Safe Work Australia is initiating a public consultation to gather feedback on potential reforms aimed at enhancing the safety of crane operations within the maritime sector. The consultation focuses on addressing unique risks associated with cranes operating on vessels in dynamic maritime conditions, where specific licensing, training, and tailored risk controls are often lacking. A discussion paper detailing potential reform options is available for review.

Stakeholders, including regulators, unions, businesses, workers, and legal professionals, are encouraged to submit their views via the Consultation Hub by 11:59 pm AEST on Monday, April 27, 2026. Any proposed regulatory changes will require agreement from Safe Work Australia Members and, for significant changes, approval from WHS ministers. This consultation represents an opportunity to influence future safety standards for maritime crane operations.

What to do next

Review the discussion paper on maritime crane safety.
Submit feedback through the Consultation Hub by April 27, 2026.

Source document (simplified)

16 Mar 2026

Safe Work Australia is seeking feedback on ways to improve the safety of crane operations in the maritime sector.

Cranes operating in dynamic environments - such as on vessels - are exposed to unique work health and safety (WHS) due to ship movement and variable maritime conditions. Despite these risks, they are often used without specific licensing, training, and risk controls tailored to these environments.

We’re inviting stakeholders to share their views on potential reform options outlined in our discussion paper, available on the Consultation Hub. These options may evolve as further evidence, policy analysis and consultation feedback are considered.

Any regulatory changes require agreement by Safe Work Australia Members and, where significant changes are proposed, approval by WHS ministers.

Who should participate?

Anyone with an interest or experience in the port and maritime sectors and crane operations is encouraged to share their views through this consultation process. This includes regulators, government agencies, unions, workers, business and industry representatives, legal professionals and researchers.

How to have your say

The consultation is open until 11:59 pm (AEST) Monday 27 April 2026.

Submissions can be made using our Consultation Hub.