Archived News for Human Resource Professionals - January, 2012
New harmonised work health and safety laws have come into effect in New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Commonwealth jurisdictions.
Victoria and Western Australia have not introduced the model laws and have indicated that they intend to delay implementation, while the South Australian parliament will resume debate on the legislation on 14th February. Tasmania’s Legislative Council amended the Bill by changing the commencement date to 1 January 2013.
Safe Work Australia has published a series of legislative fact sheets and interpretative guidelines to explain aspects of the model work health and safety laws. These documents are available here.
Work Safe Australia may modify anti-bullying Code of Practice
Safe Work Australia is considering engaging an expert on workplace bullying after nearly a quarter of submissions on a range of OH&S issues referred to the draft bullying code.
ACTU review of insecure work extended
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has extended the consultation period for its investigation into the rise of insecure work and its effect on families and communities.