Proposal to adopt updated GHS under the model WHS laws

You can provide your feedback through Safe Work Australia’s Engage platform by 11.59pm AEST Sunday 28 July 2019.

• Register and login to Engage. 
• Respond to the survey questions, or upload your submission at the end of the survey.

You can upload up to two documents using the online submission form.

Your submission will not be published on the Safe Work Australia website.

You should note that Safe Work Australia may be required to release your submission if requested under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth), unless an exemption applies. Your personal information may also be disclosed if authorised or required by law, or for the purpose of parliamentary processes.

You may answer some or all of the questions - it is entirely up to you. You can also raise a matter not explicitly addressed in the Consultation Paper, so long as it is relevant to updating the GHS under the model WHS laws.

As submissions come in, we read them and collate everyone’s views on updating the GHS under the model WHS laws.

This analysis will be documented in a consultation summary which will be published after the consultation period ends. This information will be used to inform a proposal to Safe Work Australia Members on amendments to the model WHS laws and transition arrangements for adopting GHS 7.

We would like to hear from everyone who may be affected by updating the GHS for workplace hazardous chemicals under the model WHS laws, including manufacturers, importers, suppliers and users of hazardous chemicals in a workplace.

We will accept written submissions by email or post.

Please contact us before hand to obtain a cover sheet that will collect the same information as you would provide for an online registration and submission.

Generally, extensions will not be granted. However, if there are exceptional circumstances and you need an extension, please email GHS@swa.gov.au before the closing date.

The ability to make an online submission through Engage will close on 11.59pm AEST Sunday 28 July 2019 regardless of any extensions granted.

If changes are made to the model WHS laws, those changes will only apply in a jurisdiction when that jurisdiction has separately taken action to implement the change in their own WHS laws.

In jurisdictions where the model WHS laws have been implemented, each jurisdiction is generally expected to make changes to ensure the laws operate effectively and to maintain harmonisation.  However, if a jurisdiction does not implement changes to the model WHS laws in their own WHS law, it will not be legally binding in that jurisdiction.