BUDGET FUNDS FOR OHS INITIATIVES

$1.5 million over four years has been allocated in the federal budget to establish the Family and Injured Workers Advisory Committee, comprising members with lived experience of serious workplace incidents, to advise on policies.

The Federal Government will ban the importation of engineered stone products starting July 1, aligning with state and territory bans on their use, manufacture, and supply. $32.1 million is allocated over two years to the Australian Border Force to enforce these importation restrictions.

An additional $1.5 million over two years will support a review of the Commonwealth Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 involving an independent expert panel.

Additional Measures include the Fair Work Ombudsman receiving funds to develop resources that will assist small businesses comply with the new right-to-disconnect laws.

$29.7 million over three years has been allocated to improve safety in the offshore resources sector.

$2 million has been ear-marked in 2024-25 for developing a harmonised national regulation scheme for the labour-hire industry.

$222 million over four years will be used to reform veterans' compensation, ensuring issues are dealt with under a single statute for more generous benefits.

Safe Work Australia is finalising changes to the national model WHS Act to broaden incident notification duties, potentially including workplace bullying and traumatic events.

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