Consultation on Improving WHS Dispute Resolution

Safe Work Australia Media

Published March 4th, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

Safe Work Australia is seeking feedback on options to improve dispute resolution under model work health and safety (WHS) laws. The consultation paper explores a specialist tribunal and alternative dispute resolution approaches, with submissions due by April 17, 2026.

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What changed

Safe Work Australia has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on potential improvements to dispute resolution mechanisms within the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. The initiative aims to address current limitations where certain WHS disputes may remain unresolved, causing frustration. The consultation paper specifically seeks input on the feasibility of establishing a specialist tribunal and exploring various alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods.

Regulated entities, including employers, workers, unions, legal professionals, and government agencies, are encouraged to participate by submitting their views via the online consultation hub by April 17, 2026. The feedback received will inform recommendations to be considered by WHS ministers, potentially leading to significant changes in how WHS-related disputes are managed.

What to do next

Review consultation paper on WHS dispute resolution
Submit feedback via the online survey or written submission by April 17, 2026

Source document (simplified)

04 Mar 2026

Safe Work Australia is inviting feedback on potential options to improve dispute resolution under the model work health and safety (WHS) laws.

Under the current legislative framework certain WHS disputes can remain unresolved. This can create frustration for the parties involved.

This consultation paper seeks feedback on a specialist tribunal and alternative dispute resolution approaches.

Your insights will help shape our recommendations for consideration by WHS ministers.

Who should participate?

We welcome submissions from all interested stakeholders, including duty holders, regulators, government agencies, unions, workers, legal professionals, researchers, members of the public and others who may be affected by implementation of the proposed options for WHS dispute resolution arrangements.

How to have your say

Visit our Consultation Hub to read the consultation paper and respond to the questions through our online survey, or by uploading a written submission.

The consultation is open until 11:59 pm (AEST) on 17 April 2026.