Browsing: Workers' comp legislation, regulations, standards and codes (National)

Australia's new no-fault COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme will be applied retrospectively and, according to business groups, better facilitate workplace vaccination programs, reduce business risks and accelerate the reopening of the economy.

• Harassment and work safety review of SA Parliament kicks off; and
  
• Extended cancer cover locked in for firefighters under SRC Act.

• Workers removed from high-hazard "footprint" under project; and
  
• New heavy vehicle work safety laws progress with RIS.

• New laws protect safety of contractors and gig economy workers;
  
• Safety Regs with WHS clauses released, WorkSafe Vic boss resigns; and
  
• SRC and disability discrimination instruments introduced.

• Transition to new chemical safety system starting soon;
  
• New safety and rehab regulations made for ADF members; and
  
• Rail safety functions and drug rules in Vic transferred to ONRSR.

The Federal Government has made new safety and compensation Regulations with at least six important updates, including one pertaining to potential licensees' WHS histories.

Labour-hire companies across four industry sectors will be banned from operating in Australia if they commit serious WHS or workers' comp breaches, or if they can't prove compliance with workplace laws after past breaches, under a proposed registration scheme approved by the Federal Government.

Presumptive workers' compensation for first responders with PTSD and other psychological injuries will be harmonised across all Australian jurisdictions, presuming COAG agrees on recommendations from a national inquiry.

• Dispute resolution and rehab changes made by NSW and Cwlth;
  
• Major chemical safety Bill simplifies agvet approvals; and
  
• Safety policy and labour-hire guide released by NHVR and ONRSR.

A Senate inquiry has called on the Australian Government to ensure legislated workplace health and safety rights for workers who are not classified as employees or perform non-standard work, with the proliferation of the gig economy.