Model OHS Laws
Background
In July 2008, the Council of Australia Governments agreed to nationally harmonise occupational health and safety (OHS) laws. The model OHS laws, consisting of a model Act, model Regulations and Codes of Practices are to be developed and adopted by all states and territories by 2011.
The harmonisation of OHS laws aims to reduce the incidence of workplace death, injury and disease in Australia. The harmonisation will also create consistencies in OHS laws around Australia, making it easier for companies to do business.
More information on the model OHS laws visit the Safe Work Australia website.
Public Comment Period
The model laws have been released and are now available for public comment. The public comment period opened on Monday 28 September and will close on Monday 9 November 2009.
The model laws and additional information on the public comment period can be access on the Safe Work Australia website.
Information Sessions
As part of the public comment period, NT WorkSafe will be conducting a number of information sessions across the Territory.
NT WorkSafe encourages all business and workers to attend a free information session on the implications of a national OHS legislation, and to find out what impact it will have on you.
The information session will be held in the following regions:
Thursday 1 October |
Katherine |
1.00pm to 2.00pm
Knotts Crossing Resort |
Alice Springs |
12.30pm to 1.30pm
Crowne Plaza |
Thursday 8 October |
Darwin |
3.30pm to 4.30pm
Holiday Inn Esplanade |
Tennant Creek |
5.00pm to 6.00pm
Blue Stone Motor Inn |
Tuesday 13 October |
Nhulunbuy |
3.30pm to 4.30pm
The Arnhem Club |
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Additional Information Sessions
Tuesday 13 October |
Nhulunbuy |
12.30pm to 1.30pm and 5.30pm to 6.30pm
The Arnhem Club
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Thursday 22 October |
Katherine |
5.30pm to 6.30pm
Knotts Crossing Resort |
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Wednesday 28 October |
Alice Springs |
5.30pm - 6.30pm
Diplomat Motel |
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Powerpoint Presentations
Model Legislation Timeframe
September 2009 |
Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC) approves model legislation exposure draft and consultation Regulation Impact Statement for public comment. |
September 2009 |
Stage One: model regulations associated with core functions, obligations or powers, arising from the recommendations from the national review released for public comment. |
December 2009
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Model legislation submitted to WRMC for agreement. |
December 2009
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Draft model regulations developed and progressively submitted to WRMC for decision.
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Progressively from late 2009
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Stage Two: model regulations on matters addressed in existing national OHS standards. |
Progressively from late 2009
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Stage Three: model regulations on matters currently included in regulations in two thirds, or more, of the jurisdictions. |
Early 2010
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Stage Four: model regulations on matters currently included in regulations in one or several jurisdictions. |
Progressively from late 2010
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Development of model Codes of Practice. |
December 2011
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All jurisdictions have implemented the model Act and regulations.
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NT WorkSafe
GPO Box 1722, Darwin NT 0801
Telephone 1800 019 115 Email ntworksafe@nt.gov.au
Facsimile (08) 8999 5141 Website www.worksafe.nt.gov.au
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