Australia: Health & Safety

The Victorian Government has introduced the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Dangerous Goods) Bill 2026 (the Bill), marking a significant legislative development in order to enhance the safety framework surrounding the handling, and activities involving the handling, of dangerous goods

New South Wales has introduced Australia's first express statutory duty directed at digital work systems, including algorithmic work allocation, performance metrics and worker surveillance. The Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Act 2026 requires NSW Government agencies to proactively assess and manage risks arising from AI, algorithms and automated platforms used to allocate work.

A recent Federal Court decision confirms that workplace sexual harassment protections extend beyond traditional employer-employee relationships to include contractors and customers. The case examines how substantial compensation and penalties can be imposed when harassment occurs in connection with work, regardless of the perpetrator's formal relationship to the business.

Briefly discuss the key aspects of the Regulations and Compliance Code which commenced in Victoria on 1 December 2025...

New NSW WHS laws require your business to assess and manage psychosocial risks created by AI and digital work systems, including workload, monitoring and decision-making tools.

This briefing note sets out an overview of the decision in Medibank Private Limited v McClure [2026] FCAFC 38, including key implications for employment, industrial relations and safety practitioners.

Falling from a height is the leading cause of traumatic injuries & fatalities in the NSW construction industry.

Across Australia, safety regulators are making it clear: mental health risks must be treated as seriously as physical hazards.

Bill will require employers to more closely examine how their digital work systems affect employee health and safety, particularly in relation to workload, monitoring and decision-making.