Victorian workers who are employed by Federal government departments or government business enterprises come under the Commonwealth system. In addition, national companies granted 'self-insurer' status under Comcare are also covered by both the Comcare workers' compensation and OHS Act (see Historical context item, below)
May 2019
In 2012 the Commonwealth adopted the Work Health Safety Act, Regulations and Codes of Practice.
See this page on the Comcare site for a list of (and links to) up to date legislation, including the Codes of Practice.
The Work Health and Safety Bill 2011 (Cwlth) was passed by the Commonwealth Parliament on 24 November 2011. The Bill implements the provisions of the model Work Health and Safety Act within the Commonwealth jurisdiction and replaces the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cwth). The commencement date was 1 January 2012. (more information: explanatory memorandum)
The Work Health and Safety (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2011 was also passed on the same day, and makes transitional and consequential provisions in relation to the new Work Health and Safety Bill 2011 (Cwlth). (more information: explanatory memorandum)
The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 were released on 14 December 2011. They implement the model Work Health and Safety Regulations in the Commonwealth jurisdiction and will apply to the Commonwealth, public authorities and, for a transitional period, non-Commonwealth licensees. The Regulations will replace the Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 and the Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Arrangements) Regulations 1991 which will be repealed, along with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (OHS Act), on commencement of the WHS Act on 1 January 2012. (More information: explanatory statement)
Note: when going to the legislation, ensure you are looking at the latest version.
See items below for information and summary of the Act.
Last updated June 2021