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Work Health & Safety

ACCI has a long history of advocating for Australia’s employers on policies around work health and safety (WHS) and workers’ compensation. Improving health and safety outcomes in our workplaces requires a coordinated approach from employers, workers, government and regulators. Looking at WHS policies through this lens aims to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, while ensuring businesses are supported to deliver productive, safe and legally compliant workplaces.

Through our committees and working groups, ACCI provides direct input into model WHS legislative framework and workers’ compensation policies, offering amendments where necessary. We also collaborate with various government departments and agencies to influence policy development and legislative frameworks related to industrial chemical safety, asbestos, and silica management.

Ensuring safe and healthy workplaces is essential for every business. Small businesses, in particular, face hurdles in achieving this due to complex WHS and workers’ compensation regulation, and evolving mental health responsibilities. Frameworks should be put in place to reduce these burdens, particularly through simplified regulation, more advice, and a clearer, more equitable compensation system. By doing so, employers will be able to reduce the risk of injury, improve employee wellbeing and see their workforce contribute positively to Australia’s economy. See our work, health and safety policy positions below. 

Rebecca Sostarko

Director | Work, Health and Safety 

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Model WHS Laws

Promote policies that recognise the unique WHS needs and challenges of small businesses, and drive scalable and practicable regulatory approaches to better support businesses of all sizes
Australia’s WHS regulatory environment is layered and complex, especially for smaller businesses that often lack the resources and finances available to larger businesses. The current ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to WHS regulation places disproportionate pressure on smaller businesses By tailoring regulation and simplifying guidance, we can ensure businesses, regardless of their size, can comply without added burdens. Practical, straightforward WHS guidance is required so all businesses can readily access and understand advice that is appropriate to their specific sector and business.

Workers’ Compensation

Improve the accessibility and function of workers’ compensation schemes, especially for small businesses, and support alignment of schemes through Safe Work Australia
Workers’ compensation obligations are confusing for many employers, especially smaller businesses with limited experience and access to advice. For most businesses, a workers’ compensation claim might only occur once every few years. Many employers pay their premium annually and have no further contact or relationship with their insurer or the workers’ compensation system. Workers’ compensation schemes should be balanced, sustainable, evidenced-informed, and easy to follow and comply with to get the best outcomes for all stakeholders.

Where possible, schemes should be aligned, and best practice guidance and processes constantly evaluated and adopted. This should be activated through Safe Work Australia and informed by national research and evidence.

Mental Health in the Workplace

Promote awareness and improve the capability of employers to support ill or injured workers through fostering mentally healthy workplaces
As Australia’s mental health crisis deepens, the mental wellbeing of staff is a growing focus for employers. Through our participation in the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, we are committed to helping businesses of all sizes create environments where everyone, including those facing mental health challenges or illness, and their supporters, can engage in meaningful, safe work and receive the support they need to thrive. We recognise that a mentally healthy workplace is not just good for people, it is also good for business.

Industrial Chemicals, Asbestos and Silica

Ensure the ongoing, proportionate, and sustainable approach to industrial chemical schemes, and encourage good asbestos and silica risk awareness and management
ACCI continues to advocate for policies that support asbestos management and strong regulatory frameworks to protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals. We also support ongoing awareness campaigns and international advocacy for treaties and conventions to eliminate the manufacture and importation of chemicals, such as chrysotile asbestos, to ensure safer workplaces and communities for all.