Edition 65, March 2009

Outcomes of the Workplace Relations Ministerial Council meeting

The February 2009 meeting of the Workplace Relations Ministers� Council focused solely on occupational health and safety issues.

A key outcome from the meeting was a decision to establish Safe Work Australia as an Executive Agency prescribed under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997. This follows the withdrawal of the Safe Work Australia Bill 2008 from the Parliament.

The establishment of Safe Work Australia administratively was considered necessary to ensure the timetable for OHS harmonisation determined by the Council of Australian Governments was not further jeopardised.

In addition, ministers were briefed on the second report of the National Review into Model OHS Laws. The report includes recommendations regarding the scope and coverage of a model OHS Act, workplace consultation, participation and representation, enforcement and compliance and the role of OHS regulatory agencies in providing education, advice and assistance to duty holders.

Ministers agreed further examination of both Review reports was required before any decisions on model OHS laws could be made. To view the reports visit www.nationalohsreview.gov.au/ohs/Reports

Ministers also considered issues regarding asbestos management and research. Ministers noted the broad range of actions put in place by governments regarding asbestos and agreed to further targeted work in this area.

Specifically, Ministers agreed:

  • that the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities and the Safe Work Australia Council will consider training and licensing of asbestos removalists and asbestos auditors
  • to refer matters of public and environmental health to the appropriate Health Ministerial Council
  • to refer to the Safe Work Australia Council consideration of the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry relating to asbestos compensation as part of the broader considerations of workers' compensation issues
  • to refer consideration of the adequacy of existing research, prospects for potential avenues of further research and suitable funding mechanisms to the appropriate Ministerial Councils.

For more information visit www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Publications/PolicyReviews/WorkplaceRelationsMinistersCouncil.htm

This page was generated on 26 August, 2009