Public consultation opens on major crane licensing reforms

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has commenced public consultation on potential reforms to crane licensing under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, with a focus on strengthening the High Risk Work Licensing Framework and improving safety outcomes.

The High Risk Licensing Framework is designed to prevent serious incidents by ensuring crane operators are adequately trained, qualified and competent. Robust crane licensing requirements play a critical role in supporting effective WHS management systems, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and workplace policies that control high-risk construction activities.

Consultations held in 2022 and 2024 on crane licensing reform have informed SWA’s development of several potential changes to the licensing system. Drawing on this earlier feedback, SWA Members have now considered options for broader reforms to the overall High Risk Work Licensing Framework.

In response, the Agency has prepared a draft impact analysis outlining seven possible changes to crane licensing. These options include the introduction of new licence classes as well as updated requirements for existing crane high risk work licences, with the aim of improving clarity, consistency and safety performance across jurisdictions.

Further proposed amendments to crane licensing are expected to be considered through a similar consultation and impact assessment process later in 2026, allowing for staged and evidence-based reform of the framework.

The current consultation seeks detailed feedback on the draft impact analysis and invites additional evidence on the likely costs, benefits and practical implications of each reform option. Safe Work Australia encourages submissions from anyone with an interest in crane regulation, including workers, employers, PCBUs, business owners, suppliers, manufacturers, industry and peak bodies, WHS regulators, WHS professionals and academics.

Submissions may address all of the proposed reforms or focus only on those elements most relevant to your operations or organisation. Input from duty holders and practitioners will help ensure any changes can be effectively integrated into existing WHS management systems, SWMS and organisational policies and procedures. For organisations seeking to strengthen their documentation in line with evolving regulatory expectations, structured WHS management systems and policies are available from providers such as BlueSafe.

Feedback received through this process will inform a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), which will be considered by WHS Ministers before any final decisions are made on crane licensing reforms.

The consultation is open until 11:59 pm (AEST) on Monday, 4 May 2026. Submissions can be lodged via Safe Work Australia’s online Consultation Hub within the consultation period.