The NSW Government has passed legislation to officially establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator as it continues strengthening protections for workers.
The new structure ensures SafeWork NSW will become a strong, robust and fit-for-purpose workplace health and safety regulator.
SafeWork NSW was in the past hidden within the Department of Customer of Service and was not able to fully fulfil the functions expected of the state’s work health and safety regulator.
The new executive agency will be led by a SafeWork Commissioner, with recruitment currently underway.
The SafeWork Commissioner will lead the agency with clear authority to enforce compliance, promote best practices and engage meaningfully with workers, unions and businesses across all industries in NSW.
The new standalone regular will also feature an Advisory Council of experts to provide advice to the Minister for Work Health and Safety and SafeWork NSW on how it can support both workers and businesses in creating the safest possible workplaces.
The Council will be made up of representatives from employer organisations, unions, a WHS expert and injured workers.
These reforms to SafeWork NSW reflects the Government’s commitment to preventing workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
“Every worker has the right to go home safely at the end of the day.
“This bill passing the Parliament is important for worker safety in New South Wales.
“We are slowly turning things around at SafeWork NSW as we restore it to being a regulator with teeth.
Source: NSW Government
