WHS Laws Consultation Summary Published

Safe Work Australia Media

Published March 17th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

Safe Work Australia has published a summary of feedback received during public consultation for the Best Practice Review of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. The summary outlines key themes and issues raised by over 1000 responses, which will inform the final report to WHS ministers.

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What changed

Safe Work Australia has released a consultation summary detailing feedback on the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. The document consolidates insights from 1055 written responses, surveys, and over 100 meetings, highlighting ongoing support for harmonisation but concerns about jurisdictional variations, calls for improved worker representation, and the need to address emerging risks like AI and climate hazards.

This summary is an informational update and does not impose new obligations. The feedback gathered will be used to inform a final report to WHS ministers, expected in August 2026. Regulated entities should note the ongoing discussion around WHS law harmonisation and emerging risks.

Source document (simplified)

17 Mar 2026

Safe Work Australia has published a summary of feedback received during public consultation for the Best Practice Review of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.

Safe Work Australia received 1055 written responses, of which 118 were written submissions and the rest were survey responses, visited each capital city and 2 regional centres (Bunbury in Western Australia and Geelong in Victoria), and held over 100 meetings – gathering insights from employers, industry associations, unions, regulators, government agencies, academics, WHS professionals, community organisations, individuals, and families affected by workplace fatalities and serious injuries.

The consultation summary published today outlines key themes and issues raised through submissions, surveys and meetings.

Key messages:

Strong ongoing support for the model WHS laws and the goal of national harmonisation - but growing concern about jurisdictional variations
Differences in compliance and enforcement are undermining harmonisation and creating complexity
Unions want to improve worker consultation, representation and participation rights
Businesses want WHS laws that are simple to understand and industry based
There needs to be a greater focus on emerging risks, including digital work, artificial intelligence and climate‑related hazards. The feedback provided will inform our final report to WHS ministers, which will be provided for consideration in August 2026.

Learn more about the Best Practice Review and consultation findings.