The NSW Minns Labor Government will continue its mission to ensure workers have strong laws and a tough regulator on the beat by introducing a bill into the NSW Parliament to establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator.
The establishment of SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to preventing workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses.
The new structure will ensure SafeWork NSW will become a strong, robust and fit-for-purpose regulator capable of effectively securing safer and healthier workplaces in NSW.
Since coming to government, the Minns Labor Government has already undertaken significant reform to prepare SafeWork NSW to become a standalone regulator.
Under the former government, SafeWork NSW was hidden within the Department of Customer of Service and was not able to fully fulfil the functions expected of the state's work health and safety regulator.
The bill will also establish a new Advisory Council to provide advice to the Minister for Work Health and Safety and SafeWork NSW on how it can support both workers and businesses in creating the safest possible workplaces.
The Council will be made up of representatives from employer organisations, unions, a WHS expert and a member representing the interests of injured workers and their families.
The new executive agency will be led by a SafeWork Commissioner appointed in due course.
The SafeWork Commissioner will lead the agency with clear authority to enforce compliance, promote best practices and engage meaningfully with workers, unions and businesses across all industries in NSW.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
"Every worker has the right to go home safely at the end of the day. By creating SafeWork NSW as a standalone agency, the NSW Government is strengthening our ability to enforce WHS laws, support businesses to meet their obligations and drive cultural change to prevent workplace harm.
"The NSW Government is committed to establishing SafeWork NSW as a strong, robust and responsive WHS regulator. Through the establishment of the SafeWork Advisory Council and the SafeWork Commissioner, we will ensure SafeWork NSW can secure safer and healthier workplaces for all workers in NSW."
