Work health and safety (WHS) laws in NSW are based on national WHS laws (Model WHS laws).

The Model WHS laws are a framework designed to harmonise WHS laws in each state of Australia.

The Model WHS laws include:

• Model WHS Act
• Model WHS Regulations
• Model Codes of Practice.

These are developed collaboratively between the Commonwealth and state governments.

Before the NSW Government can amend Model WHS provisions within the WHS Regulation 2017, the proposed changes should first be considered at the national level.

The Intergovernmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety (IGA) details how this process should occur, with the aim of keeping the model laws as consistent as possible across Australian states and territories.

To assist, SafeWork NSW has developed Part 2 of this consultation to seek your feedback on the Model provisions, including on SafeWork NSW’s proposed amendments. Your feedback on the Model provisions will be considered. However, it may be actioned separately in line with the outlined national processes.