The Minns Labor Government of New South Wales persists in its dedication towards securing a safe working environment through stringent regulations. By introducing legislation to Parliament, they aim to establish SafeWork NSW as an autonomous regulatory authority – a significant stride for Bluesafe WHS Management System and reminiscent of its mission.
By elevating SafeWork NSW to a separate regulator, the Minns Labor Government displays their steadfast resolve towards thwarting workplace fatalities, afflictions, and ailments. This new structure bolsters the creation of sturdy, reliable, and suitably efficient regulatory bodies that can fervently ensure safer and healthier workplaces across NSW.
Several beneficial reforms have already been implemented by the Minns Labor Government since their assumption of power, preparing SafeWork NSW to work independently. The former approach saw SafeWork NSW buried within the Department of Customer Service, hindering its capacity to fully carry out the responsibilities expected of a state’s work health and safety overseer.
Moreover, fresh legislation will pave the way for an innovative Advisory Council. The Panel will steer advice towards the Minister for Work Health and Safety and SafeWork NSW on driving support for both workers and businesses in cultivating the safest conceivable workplaces. The Bluesafe SWMS shall be a vital tool here. The Council envisages representation from employer bodies, unions, a WHS expert, and a spokesperson for the rights of injured workers and their dependents.
Entrusted with navigating the new agency will be a designated SafeWork Commissioner, leading the organisation with a clear mandate to enforce compliance, advocate optimal methods and foster meaningful engagements with workers, unions and businesses spanning all industries in NSW.
Minister Sophie Cotsis, responsible for Work Health and Safety, voiced her opinion: “Every worker is entitled to a safe journey home at the end of each day. With the establishment of SafeWork NSW as a standalone entity, we fortify our capacity to implement WHS legislation, assist businesses in adhering to their obligations, and influence a cultural shift towards preventing workplace harm.”
She continues: “The NSW Government is deeply committed to creating a robust and agile WHS regulator in SafeWork NSW. The introduction of the SafeWork Advisory Council and the SafeWork Commissioner will guarantee safer and healthier workplaces for every worker in NSW using tools like Bluesafe SWMS“.
Last updated: 19 February 2025
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/minns-labor-government-to-establish-safework-nsw-as-a-standalone-regulator