HAVE YOUR SAY – Safe Work Australia consultation

Safe Work Australia has released a number of discussion papers to obtain feedback from industry

1. Improving dispute resolution under the model work health and safety laws – Safe Work
2. Asbestos Framework Review – Safe Work
3. Impact Analysis for Crane Licensing Review – Safe Work

1. Improving Dispute Resolution under the model WHS Laws (submission due 17 April 2026)

SWA has released a discussion paper to obtain feedback from industry in relation to the existing dispute resolution framework under the model WHS legislation, with potential for options for improvement.

The consultation paper outlines a number of approaches and seeks feedback on

• Whether the specialist tribunal approach offers the best option for the final resolution of disputes under the model WHS laws;
• Whether there are better alternative dispute resolution approaches;
• The practical implications of implementing the Queensland approach across all jurisdictions; and
• Any other feedback on improving dispute resolution provisions under the model WHS laws.

For further information, the discussion paper and link to the SWA consultation hub is: Improving dispute resolution under the model work health and safety laws – Safe Work

Also provide your feedback to MBA by emailing it to workplace@mba.gov.au  so your views can be included in the MBA submission to strengthen industry position.

Members are requested to provide any feedback by COB 10 April 2026.

2. Asbestos Framework Review (Submission due 27 April 2026)

SWA has now released the Asbestos Framework Review discussion paper and is seeking feedback on issues, concerns and opportunities for improvement across the model WHS asbestos framework.  The scope of the review looks at:

1. Model WHS Framework;
2. Identification and risk assessment of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs);
3. Workplace Exposure Standard for asbestos;
4. NOHSC Guidance Note on the membrane filter method for estimating airborne asbestos fibres (2005);
5. Asbestos management and control measures;
6. Asbestos training and competency;
7. Removal of asbestos, training and licensing;
8. Compliance and enforcement; and
9. Managing other asbestos-related risks.

For further information, the discussion paper and link to the SWA consultation hub is: Asbestos Framework Review – Safe Work

Also provide your feedback to MBA by emailing it to workplace@mba.gov.au  so your views can be included in the MBA submission to strengthen industry position.

Members are requested to provide any feedback by COB 17 April 2026. 

3. Impact Analysis for Crane Licensing Review (submission due 4 May 2026)

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has now released its Impact Analysis for Crane Licensing Review Consultation Paper. This Consultation seeks advice and information from stakeholders on the impact of 7 proposed options to the High Risk Work (HRW) licensing framework for crane operations.

The proposed options include:

• a new HRW licence for piling rig operation
• a new HRW licence for general use telehandler operation
• a new HRW licence for telehandlers when used as a crane
• removal of the current 3 tonne threshold from HRW licences for non-slewing mobile cranes and renaming the licence as a ‘Licence to operate an articulated mobile crane’
• reducing the HRW licence threshold for VLCs from ‘10 metre tonnes or more’ to ‘1 tonne’
• merging the HRW licences for tower cranes and self-erecting tower cranes into a single licence, and
• a new licence for the remote operation of a tower crane.

For further information, the discussion paper and link to the SWA consultation hub is: Impact Analysis for Crane Licensing Review – Safe Work

Also provide your feedback to MBA by emailing it to workplace@mba.gov.au  so your views can be included in the MBA submission to strengthen industry position.

Members are requested to provide any feedback by COB 24 April 2026. 

In addition, SWA has released its Consultation Summary following the Best Practice Review. The Consultation Summary identified key themes and issues raised by interested stakeholders during the consultation process.

A final report outlining key finding and recommendations will be provided to WHS Ministers for consideration in August 2026. Information regarding publication of this report and what is to come next will then follow. Master Builders Australia will maintain a watching brief over this matter.

• DRIS for 9 Chemicals update – Ministers provided extension for return of decision

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) continues to advocate on behalf of industry with respect to the regulatory changes recommended by the Decision Regulation Impact Statement (DRIS) regarding 9 chemicals including RCS.  Master Builders continues to raise industry-specific concerns with ACCI in respect of these matters.

By way of an update, ACCI has met with a number of State/Territory Governments to communicate industry concerns and has also met with WHS Ministers across the country. Recently, Master Builders ACT accompanied ACCI and met with the Ministerial Adviser in the ACT to discuss industry concerns about halving the WEL for RCS.

It is noted that the Chair of Safe Work Australia (SWA) has written to WHS Ministers granting a one-month extension due to the SA Government currently being in caretaker mode. Ministerial decision is now required by 26 April 2026. This will allow for additional time for advocacy efforts to continue in this space.