State-specific Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws may be rolled into a national framework after state and federal workplace relations ministers banded together on Monday.
The Workplace Relations Ministerial Council voted on a national workplace safety regime to replace the current scheme, in which each state runs its own OHS regime.
While the move has been hailed by some as a “historic day” for miners’ safety, others say it will “come at a cost”.
Australian Industry Group CEO Heather Ridout said the decision paves the way for a genuinely national OHS system that will ensure bosses have to do what is reasonably practicable to provide a safety workplace.
“Safety is too important to have the rules rewritten in every state,” she said.
Ridout is supporting a number of recommendations that differ between states, including that people accused in an OHS case should be innocent until proven guilty.
While some states are welcoming the move, safety protections will be weakened in NSW as unions will no longer be able to prosecute for breaches.
Finance Minister Joe Tripodi said nationalised laws will “come as a cost” to the State.
NSW had argued for its stronger laws to be used as a basis for the new model, but was voted down on key points.
Ridout acknowledges some businesses will have problems with some recommendations but says Monday’s decision will “pave the way for a national OHS system”.
Workplace Ministers will next meet in June.