Harmonisation Of OH&S Laws To Gain $2 Billion

The Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for the harmonisation of health and safety regulations released today states the economic benefit of a national OHS system, and demonstrates the reforms are on track.

“The Statement vindicates COAG’s decision in 2008, and the Gillard Government’s determination to pursue OHS harmonisation as a key economic reform,” Senator Evans said.

“In a modern economy where businesses operate and trade across state boundaries, it is inefficient to have nine different OHS statutes and more than 400 pieces of regulation covering the same responsibilities,” he said.

According to the report, around 60 per cent of the reforms analysed involved no or minimal costs to Victoria.

“The Victorian Government will also benefit from $50 million in reward payments if these reforms are implemented by 1 January 2012,” Senator Evans said.

“Single-state firms and small businesses will face a maximum cost of six cents per worker a week. This cost is far outweighed by the $250 million a year in benefits from reducing red tape and improving safety standards for workers.

The reform has the support of the Ai Group, ACCI, ACTU the Australian Constructors Association, the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Federation of Employers and Industry.

The model WHS Act, Regulations and Codes of Practice form a legislative package were developed by Safe Work Australia.

The system will be implemented 1 Janurary 2011.

14 September 2011
Safe to Work