Public Consultation Opens on Major Crane Licensing Reforms

Safe Work Australia has commenced public consultation on a suite of potential reforms to crane licensing under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. The review focuses on how proposed changes may affect safety outcomes, regulatory obligations and operating costs across the crane industry.

The existing High Risk Work Licensing Framework is designed to reduce serious incidents by ensuring crane operators are appropriately trained, assessed and competent before undertaking high risk tasks. Effective WHS management systems, including robust Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and clearly defined policies and procedures, play a critical supporting role in meeting these licensing obligations and controlling crane-related risks.

Consultations held in 2022 and 2024 on earlier crane licensing reform proposals have informed Safe Work Australia’s development of several new options for updating the current system. Following these initial engagement rounds, Safe Work Australia Members examined broader opportunities to refine and strengthen the High Risk Work Licensing Framework.

On the basis of those considerations, the Agency has prepared a draft impact analysis outlining seven potential changes to crane licensing. These proposed amendments include the introduction of new licence classes, as well as revised competency and eligibility requirements for existing crane licences. The draft analysis explores how these options may influence safety performance, training standards and compliance costs for duty holders.

Further potential amendments to crane licensing are expected to be considered through a similar consultation and impact assessment process later in 2026. This staged approach is intended to ensure that any reforms are evidence-based, proportionate and aligned with contemporary industry practice.

The current consultation is seeking feedback on the draft impact analysis and, in particular, additional evidence on the anticipated costs and benefits of each proposed option. Safe Work Australia encourages submissions from all stakeholders with an interest in crane regulation, including workers, employers, PCBUs, business owners, suppliers, manufacturers, industry associations, WHS regulators, WHS professionals and academics.

Submissions may address all of the proposed reforms or focus only on those options that are most relevant to your operations or organisation. Stakeholders are encouraged to consider how any changes may interact with their existing WHS management systems, SWMS and internal policies, and whether further guidance material or template documentation, such as those available from providers like Bluesafe, would support implementation.

Feedback received through this process will inform the development of a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), which will be provided to WHS Ministers for consideration when deciding on any amendments to the model WHS laws.

The consultation period 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 this timeframe.