The new and independent WorkSafe ACT officially began operations yesterday (1 July), with the launch of the new Office of the Work Health and Safety Commissioner and the release of a Statement of Expectations from the Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, Suzanne Orr.
Welcoming the new arrangement, Ms Orr said the Territory had committed to establishing WorkSafe ACT as a new and independent regulator following an independent review in 2018.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility and WorkSafe ACT has an integral role in driving an outstanding work safety culture in the ACT,” Ms Orr said.
“By establishing WorkSafe ACT as a new and independent organisation, the Government is delivering on our commitment to improve work health and safety across the ACT and protect working people from workplace related injuries.”
According to the new ACT Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, it was important to establish the newly independent body.
“We are striving to become a respected regulatory body among stakeholders and implementing the recommendations of the 2018 independent review is an important part of gaining stakeholders’ respect,” Commissioner Agius said.
“The new WorkSafe ACT will be accountable and its compliance work will be data driven and evidence informed,” she said.
“We will also look to work closely with industry to achieve improved safety outcomes.”
Ms Orr said her Statement of Expectation would guide WorkSafe ACT to address present and emerging work health and safety risks; improve the construction industry’s safety culture and performance; implement the outstanding recommendations from the 2018 independent review of WorkSafe ACT; and continually improve the operations of WorkSafe ACT, including through stronger compliance and enforcement activity.
“Commissioner Jacqueline Agius will have 60 days to deliver a response to the Statement of Expectations which will outline WorkSafe ACT’s new operational plan,” Ms Orr said.
