The Australian Government is committed to increasing the manufacturing sector through its Future Made in Australia strategy and legislation. To participate in the program and receive funds or tax incentives, companies must meet the Community Benefit Principles, including providing safe and healthy workplaces.
[This is an attempt at satire]
In today’s rapidly evolving operational landscape, Australian organisations are increasingly aligning their strategic posture with the emerging consensus that psychosocial risk is, in fact, a WHS issue.
A bold stance, only 20 years behind schedule.
Most of you will have been able to determine some of my values from the thousands of articles I have written here, but sometimes it is worth stopping, reviewing and clarifying. I met a friend in Zurich of a different political leaning from mine last week who, in a simple way, confirmed some of my thoughts.
He said that we need to respect each other. This is not difficult, but it can create enormous conflict and anxiety, especially as we continue to learn how traditional categorisations and approaches are no longer valid and may never have been.
Safe Work Australia has many submissions to its Best Practice Review after a very slow start. Consultation has been extended to the end of November 2025. A curious request appeared by email invitation on November 14, 2025, developed in conjunction with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
The email says:
“Responses will help shape future improvements to consultation, representation and participation in Australia’s WHS laws. If you’re an HSR [Health and Safety Representative], there’s a short additional section specific to that role.”
I find some of the questions and its focus odd.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has talked about occupational health and safety (OHS)….. a bit. On November 4, 2025, the PM addressed the IndustriALL Global Union 4th Congress. According to the congress’ website it:
‘…will bring together trade union representatives from around the world to discuss the future of work and reinforce their collective commitment to fundamental rights and social justice.”
So, it would be odd if OHS were not mentioned or discussed. (The Congress does maintain an OHS page)
On October 21, 2025, the Australian Capital Territory’s Parliament debated (page P3249) expanding workers’ compensation to gig workers. Impediments to change were similar to those mentioned in various parliamentary inquires and debates ever since gig work developed into an industry sector and gig workers started to die at work. But the amendment passed so progress was made.
Safe Work Australia’s (SWA) executives are obliged to attend meetings of Senate Estimates committees to answer questions from Senators about their portfolios. Sometimes these can be tense and robust. Sometimes these appear to be a waste of time.
