Compilation #6 | Effective 2023-09-21
FRBR Work URI: /akn/au/act/2009/84
This Act may be cited as the Safe Work Australia Act 2008.
Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally passed by both Houses of the Parliament and assented to. It will not be expanded to deal with provisions inserted in this Act after assent.
Column 3 of the table contains additional information that is not part of this Act. Information in this column may be added to or edited in any published version of this Act.
This Act creates a body called Safe Work Australia to improve work health and safety outcomes and workers’ compensation arrangements in Australia.
Safe Work Australia mainly consists of members who represent the Commonwealth, the States, the Territories, workers and employers (see section 10).
It has various functions relating to work health and safety and workers’ compensation (see section 6). For example, one of its functions is to develop and evaluate a model WHS legislative framework.
The Ministers of the Commonwealth, the States and the Territories who are responsible for WHS (collectively known as the WHS Ministers) have some oversight of Safe Work Australia’s activities. For example, the WHS Ministers consider whether to approve the model WHS legislative framework developed by Safe Work Australia for adoption by the Commonwealth, the States and the Territories.
Safe Work Australia has a CEO who is responsible for its administration and for assisting it to perform its functions. It is also assisted by its staff, its committees and others.
In this Act:
Australian law means a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.
CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia.
Intergovernmental Agreement means the Intergovernmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety between the Commonwealth, the States and the Territories, as amended from time to time.
member means a member of Safe Work Australia (including the Chair and the CEO) who is appointed under this Act.
model WHS legislative framework means any model Act, model regulations or model codes of practice relating to WHS, as amended from time to time, developed by Safe Work Australia for adoption by the Commonwealth, the States and the Territories.
Territory means the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory.
voting member means a member other than the CEO.
WHS means work health and safety.
WHS Ministers means the Minister of the Commonwealth, and the Minister of each State and Territory, who is responsible, or principally responsible, for matters relating to WHS.
Note: The model WHS legislative framework is developed by Safe Work Australia for approval by the WHS Ministers (see item 2 of the table in section 6).
Safe Work Australia is established by this section.
(2) For the purposes of the finance law (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013):
Safe Work Australia is a listed entity; and
the CEO is the accountable authority of Safe Work Australia; and
the following persons are officials of Safe Work Australia:
the CEO;
the other members;
the staff of Safe Work Australia referred to in section 59;
persons whose services are made available to Safe Work Australia under section 61; and
the purposes of Safe Work Australia include the functions of Safe Work Australia referred to in section 6.
The object of the establishment of Safe Work Australia is to improve national WHS outcomes and workers’ compensation arrangements by providing an inclusive tripartite forum for representatives of governments, workers and employers to:
collaborate on national WHS and workers’ compensation matters; and
lead the development of evidence-based national WHS and workers’ compensation policies and strategies; and
promote consistency in WHS and workers’ compensation arrangements across Australia.
Safe Work Australia has the functions set out in this table:
Safe Work Australia must perform its functions in accordance with its corporate plan and operational plan.
When performing its functions, Safe Work Australia may consult with:
governments and government bodies; and
representatives of workers and employers; and
other interested people, bodies and organisations.
Safe Work Australia has the privileges and immunities of the Crown in the right of the Commonwealth.
This Part deals with Safe Work Australia’s membership.
the CEO). (For the appointment of the CEO, see Division 2 of Part 6.)Division 2 sets out its membership. It also deals with the appointment of voting members (that is, members other than
Besides the Chair, voting members are representative members—they represent the Commonwealth, States, Territories, workers and employers. There is a special nomination process for the appointment of these members (see sections 13 to 16).
Division 3 provides for the terms and conditions on which voting members are appointed.
Membership
Safe Work Australia consists of the following members:
the Chair;
1 member who represents the Commonwealth;
8 members, each of whom represents a different State or Territory;
2 members who represent the interests of workers in Australia;
2 members who represent the interests of employers in Australia;
the CEO.
When membership falls below threshold
Safe Work Australia may not perform its functions if more than one-third of the voting members’ offices are vacant.
Appointment by Minister
The Minister must, by written instrument, appoint a person to be the Chair.
Note: The Chair may be reappointed: see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33AA of the
Consultation of WHS Ministers
The Minister can only make the appointment if the WHS Ministers have been consulted about the appointment of the person.
Appointment by Minister
The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person to act as the Chair:
during a vacancy in the office of the Chair (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or
during any period, or during all periods, when the Chair:
is absent from duty or Australia; or
is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33A of the
Consultation of WHS Ministers
However, the Minister can only do so if the WHS Ministers have been consulted about the appointment of that person.
The Minister must, by written instrument, appoint a person to be the voting member who represents the Commonwealth.
Note: The person may be reappointed: see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33AA of the
Appointment of State or Territory representative
The Minister must, by written instrument, appoint a person to be the voting member who represents a particular State or Territory.
Note: The person may be reappointed: see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33AA of the
Nomination of State or Territory representative
The Minister can only make the appointment if the person has been nominated for the appointment by the State or Territory.
Appointment of workers’ representatives
The Minister must, by written instrument, appoint a person to be a voting member who represents workers in Australia.
Note: The person may be reappointed: see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33AA of the
Nomination of workers’ representatives
The Minister can only make the appointment if:
the person has been nominated for the appointment by an authorised body; and
the Minister agrees to the person being appointed.
If an authorised body nominates a person but the Minister does not agree to the person being appointed, an authorised body (which may be the same or a different body) may nominate another person for the appointment.
Authorised body
The Minister may authorise a body for the purpose of this section if the Minister considers that the body represents the interests of workers in Australia.
(5) If the Minister does so, the body is an authorised body.
Appointment of employers’ representatives
The Minister must, by written instrument, appoint a person to be a voting member who represents employers in Australia.
Note: The person may be reappointed: see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33AA of the
Nomination of employers’ representatives
The Minister can only make the appointment if:
the person has been nominated for the appointment by an authorised body; and
the Minister agrees to the person being appointed.
If an authorised body nominates a person but the Minister does not agree to the person being appointed, an authorised body (which may be the same or a different body) may nominate another person for the appointment.
Authorised body
The Minister may authorise a body for the purpose of this section if the Minister considers that the body represents the interests of employers in Australia.
(5) If the Minister does so, the body is an authorised body.
Subdivision A—Terms and conditions that apply to all voting members
Part-time basis
A voting member holds office on a part-time basis.
Period of appointment
A voting member holds office for the period specified in his or her instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 3 years.
Note: The voting member may be reappointed: see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33AA of the
(1) A disclosure by a voting member under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) must be made to the Minister.section 29 of the
Subsection (1) applies in addition to any rules made for the purposes of that section.
(3) For the purposes of this Act and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, a voting member is taken not to have complied with section 29 of that Act if the voting member does not comply with subsection (1) of this section.
A voting member may resign his or her appointment by giving the Minister a written resignation.
The resignation takes effect on the day it is received by the Minister or, if a later day is specified in the resignation, on that later day.
Misbehaviour or incapacity
The Minister may terminate the appointment of a voting member:
for misbehaviour; or
if the member is unable to perform the duties of his or her office because of physical or mental incapacity.
Bankruptcy etc.
The Minister may terminate the appointment of a voting member if:
the member:
becomes bankrupt; or
applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
compounds with his or her creditors; or
makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the benefit of his or her creditors; or
the member is absent, except on leave of absence, from 3 consecutive meetings of Safe Work Australia; or
(c) the member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) or rules made for the purposes of that section.section 29 of the
Nominating body’s request
The Minister must terminate the appointment of a voting member who represents a State, a Territory, workers or employers if the body that nominated the member requests the Minister, in writing, to terminate that appointment.
Note: See sections 14 to 16 for the nomination process.
Subdivision B—Terms and conditions that apply only to the Chair
The Chair is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the Chair is to be paid the remuneration that is prescribed by the regulations.
The Chair is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed by the regulations.
(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
The Minister may grant leave of absence to the Chair on the terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise that the Minister determines.
The Chair holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not covered by this Act that are determined by the Minister.
Subdivision C—Terms and conditions etc. that apply only to other voting members
The Chair may grant leave of absence to any other voting member.
The office of a voting member (other than the Chair) is not a public office within the meaning of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
This Part is about Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan and operational plan. These plans impact on how Safe Work Australia, and its CEO, perform their respective functions (see subsections 7(2) and 45(2)).
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.Division 2 deals with the corporate plan. The CEO prepares a draft corporate plan and gives it to the WHS Ministers for approval. Once the WHS Ministers approve the draft plan, the plan is given to the Minister under section 35 of the
The CEO prepares a draft operational plan and gives it to the WHS Ministers for approval. Once the WHS Ministers approve the draft plan, it becomes final. The plan covers a period of 1 year. It sets out the activities that Safe Work Australia is to undertake in that year.Division 3 deals with the operational plan.
the CEO to amend either of the final plans.Division 4 allows the WHS Ministers to direct
(1) Before giving a corporate plan to the Minister under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, the CEO must prepare a draft corporate plan and give it to the WHS Ministers.section 35 of the
Despite that section, the draft corporate plan must deal with the following matters only:
the outcomes to be achieved by Safe Work Australia;
the strategies that are to be followed by Safe Work Australia to achieve those outcomes.
The draft corporate plan must not deal with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions.
(4) Subsection 35(3) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the Australian Government’s key priorities and objectives) does not apply to a corporate plan prepared by the CEO.
WHS Ministers to approve or refuse plan
If the draft corporate plan is given to the WHS Ministers, the WHS Ministers must:
approve the draft plan; or
refuse to approve the draft plan.
Note: The WHS Ministers give approvals or refusals by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
WHS Ministers’ directions to alter plan
If the WHS Ministers refuse to approve the draft plan, the WHS Ministers must direct the CEO to:
make specified alterations to the draft plan; and
give the altered draft plan to the Council within the period specified in the direction.
Note: The WHS Ministers give directions by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
A direction under subsection (2):
may only specify an alteration to the draft plan about the following matters:
the outcomes to be achieved by Safe Work Australia;
the strategies Safe Work Australia is to follow to achieve those outcomes; and
must not specify an alteration dealing with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions.
CEO to comply with WHS Ministers’ directions
The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (2).
When WHS Ministers must approve plan
The WHS Ministers must approve the altered draft plan if:
the altered draft plan is given to the WHS Ministers; and
the alterations are in accordance with the direction.
Otherwise, the WHS Ministers may refuse to approve the altered draft plan.
Corporate plan
Note: The WHS Ministers give approvals or refusals by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
(6) When the draft corporate plan, or altered draft corporate plan, as the case may be, is approved by the WHS Ministers, that plan is to be given to the Minister under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.section 35 of the
Directions etc. not legislative instruments
If a direction, an approval or a refusal of the WHS Ministers under this section is made in writing, the direction, approval or refusal is not a legislative instrument.
Preparation of plan
Before the start of each financial year, the CEO must prepare a draft operational plan for the financial year and give it to the WHS Ministers.
Matters dealt with in plan
The draft plan must deal with the following matters only:
the activities that are to be undertaken by Safe Work Australia in performing its functions during the year;
Safe Work Australia’s total amount of expenditure for the year.
The draft plan must not:
deal with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions; or
be inconsistent with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan that relates to the year.
WHS Ministers to approve or refuse plan
If the draft operational plan is given to the WHS Ministers, the WHS Ministers must:
approve the draft plan; or
refuse to approve the draft plan.
Note: The WHS Ministers give approvals or refusals by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
WHS Ministers’ directions to alter plan
If the WHS Ministers refuse to approve the draft plan, the WHS Ministers must direct the CEO to:
make specified alterations to the draft plan; and
give the altered draft plan to the WHS Ministers within the period specified in the direction.
Note: The WHS Ministers give directions by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
A direction under subsection (2):
may only specify an alteration to the draft plan about the following matters:
the activities that are to be undertaken by Safe Work Australia in performing its functions during the year;
Safe Work Australia’s total amount of expenditure for the year; and
must not specify an alteration dealing with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions; and
must not be inconsistent with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan that relates to the year.
CEO to comply with WHS Ministers’ directions
The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (2).
When WHS Ministers must approve plan
The WHS Ministers must approve the altered draft plan if:
the altered draft plan is given to the WHS Ministers; and
the alterations are in accordance with the direction.
Otherwise, the WHS Ministers may refuse to approve the altered draft plan.
When plan becomes the final plan
Note: The WHS Ministers give approvals or refusals by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
When the WHS Ministers approve the draft plan or altered draft plan, it becomes Safe Work Australia’s operational plan for the financial year it covers.
Final plan to be published
An operational plan must be published in such manner as the CEO considers appropriate.
Directions etc. not legislative instruments
If a direction, an approval or a refusal of the WHS Ministers under this section is made in writing, the direction, approval or refusal is not a legislative instrument.
WHS Ministers’ directions
The WHS Ministers may direct the CEO to:
make specified alterations to the corporate plan for Safe Work Australia; and
give the altered plan to the WHS Ministers within the period specified in the direction.
Note: The WHS Ministers give a direction by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
Direction to amend corporate plan
A direction under subsection (1):
may only specify an alteration to the plan about the following matters:
the outcomes to be achieved by Safe Work Australia;
the strategies Safe Work Australia is to follow to achieve those outcomes; and
must not specify an alteration dealing with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions.
CEO to comply with WHS Ministers’ directions
The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
When WHS Ministers must approve alterations to plan
The WHS Ministers must approve the alterations to the plan if:
the plan as altered is given to the WHS Ministers; and
the alterations are in accordance with the direction.
Otherwise, the WHS Ministers may refuse to approve the alterations.
When alterations to corporate plan are to be given to the Minister
Note: The WHS Ministers give approvals or refusals by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
(5) When the altered corporate plan is approved by the WHS Ministers, that plan is to be given to the Minister under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.section 35 of the
Directions etc. not legislative instruments
If a direction, an approval or a refusal of the WHS Ministers under this section is made in writing, the direction, approval or refusal is not a legislative instrument.
WHS Ministers’ directions
The WHS Ministers may direct the CEO to:
make specified alterations to its operational plan for a financial year; and
give the altered plan to the WHS Ministers within the period specified in the direction.
Note: The WHS Ministers give a direction by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
A direction under subsection (1):
may only specify an alteration to the plan about the following matters:
the activities that are to be undertaken by Safe Work Australia in performing its functions during the year;
Safe Work Australia’s total amount of expenditure for the year; and
must not specify an alteration dealing with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions; and
must not be inconsistent with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan that relates to the year.
CEO to comply with WHS Ministers’ directions
The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
When WHS Ministers must approve alterations to plan
The WHS Ministers must approve the alterations to the plan if:
the plan as altered is given to the WHS Ministers; and
the alterations are in accordance with the direction.
Otherwise, the WHS Ministers may refuse to approve the alterations.
When alterations to operational plan take effect
Note: The WHS Ministers give approvals or refusals by resolution of the WHS Ministers: see section 69.
When the WHS Ministers approve the alterations to the plan, the plan as altered is Safe Work Australia’s operational plan for the financial year it covers.
Altered plan to be published
An altered operational plan must be published in such manner as the CEO considers appropriate.
Directions etc. not legislative instruments
If a direction, an approval or a refusal of the WHS Ministers under this section is made in writing, the direction, approval or refusal is not a legislative instrument.
This Part is about how Safe Work Australia makes decisions.
Division 2 deals with how it makes decisions at meetings and provides the general rules on how the meetings are to be run. Special rules apply for decisions relating to the model WHS legislative framework.
Division 3 deals with how it can make decisions without meeting.
Safe Work Australia must hold such meetings as are necessary for the performance of its functions.
The Chair:
may convene a meeting at any time; and
must convene at least 3 meetings each financial year.
The Chair presides at all meetings at which he or she is present.
If the Chair is not present at a meeting but the voting member representing the Commonwealth is present, that member is to preside.
If the Chair and that member are not present at a meeting, the other voting members present must appoint one of themselves to preside.
A voting member (other than the Chair) who is unable to attend a meeting may, in writing, request the Chair to agree to another specified person being the member’s substitute at the meeting.
If the Chair agrees, in writing, to the specified person being the member’s substitute at the meeting, then, for the purpose of that meeting, the person is taken to be that member.
Note: This means, for example, that the substitute will need to disclose any interests in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, at the meeting: see Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) and rules made for the purposes of that section.section 29 of the
At a meeting of Safe Work Australia, a majority of the voting members constitute a quorum.
However, if:
(a) rules made for the purposes of Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 prevent a voting member from participating in Safe Work Australia’s deliberations or decisions in relation to a particular matter; andsection 29 of the
when the member leaves the meeting concerned there is no longer a quorum present;
the remaining voting members at the meeting constitute a quorum for the purpose of any deliberation or decision at that meeting in relation to that matter.
Despite subsections (1) and (2), a quorum is not constituted for the purpose of any deliberation or decision relating to the model WHS legislative framework if a majority of all of the voting members who represent the Commonwealth, States and Territories are not present for the deliberation or decision.
Note: The voting members who represent the Commonwealth, States and Territories are those members referred to in paragraphs 10(1)(b) and (c).
At a meeting, a question is decided by a two-thirds majority of the votes of the voting members present and voting.
However, if the question relates to the model WHS legislative framework, the question is decided by:
a two-thirds majority of the votes of the voting members present and voting; and
a majority of the votes of all of the voting members who represent the Commonwealth, States and Territories.
Note: The voting members who represent the Commonwealth, States and Territories are those members referred to in paragraphs 10(1)(b) and (c).
Safe Work Australia may, subject to this Division, regulate proceedings at its meetings as it considers appropriate.
Note: Section 33B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 provides for participation in meetings by telephone etc.
Safe Work Australia must keep minutes of its meetings.
General decisions
Safe Work Australia is taken to have made a decision at a meeting if:
without meeting, a two-thirds majority of the voting members entitled to vote on the proposed decision indicate agreement with the decision; and
that agreement is indicated in accordance with the method determined by Safe Work Australia under subsection (3); and
all the voting members were informed of the proposed decision, or reasonable efforts were made to inform all the voting members of the proposed decision.
Decisions about model WHS legislative framework
However, if the decision relates to the model WHS legislative framework, Safe Work Australia is only taken to have made the decision at a meeting if:
without meeting:
a two-thirds majority of the voting members entitled to vote on the proposed decision; and
a majority of the votes of all the voting members who represent the Commonwealth, States and Territories;
indicate agreement with the decision; and
that agreement is indicated in accordance with the method determined by Safe Work Australia under subsection (3); and
all the voting members were informed of the proposed decision, or reasonable efforts were made to inform all the voting members of the proposed decision.
When decisions can be made without meeting
Subsection (1) or (2) applies only if:
Safe Work Australia has determined that it may make decisions of that kind without meeting; and
Safe Work Australia has determined the method by which voting members are to indicate agreement with proposed decisions.
When voting members are not entitled to vote
For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a) and subparagraph (2)(a)(i), a voting member is not entitled to vote on a proposed decision if the member would not have been entitled to vote on that proposal if the matter had been considered at a meeting of Safe Work Australia.
Record of decisions
Safe Work Australia must keep a record of decisions made in accordance with this section.
This Part is about Safe Work Australia’s CEO, its staff, its committees and others who assist it to perform its functions.
CEO
the CEO. The CEO’s functions are to manage Safe Work Australia’s administration and assist it in the performance of its functions. The CEO must perform his or her functions in accordance with the corporate and operational plans. He or she must also comply with any direction given by the Minister (see section 46) or Safe Work Australia (see section 48).Division 2 is about
Staff, committees and others
Division 3 is about Safe Work Australia’s staff, its committees and other people who assist it to perform its functions.
Its staff are members of the Australian Public Service (see section 59).
Its committees are constituted by the Chair, and may consist of members of Safe Work Australia or others (see section 60).
Other people who assist it can be consultants, or those people that the Commonwealth, the States or the Territories make available to Safe Work Australia for that purpose.
Subdivision A—Functions of the CEO
There is to be a Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia.
The CEO’s functions are:
to manage the administration of Safe Work Australia; and
to assist Safe Work Australia in the performance of its functions.
The CEO must perform his or her functions in accordance with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan and operational plan.
Subsection (2) does not apply to the extent that:
performance in accordance with the plans would be inconsistent with a direction of the Minister under section 46; or
(b) performance in accordance with the plans would be inconsistent with the CEO’s performance of functions or exercise of powers under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 in relation to Safe Work Australia; or
(c) the plans relate to the CEO’s performance of functions or exercise of powers under the Public Service Act 1999 in relation to Safe Work Australia.
Minister may give directions to the CEO
The Minister may, by legislative instrument, give written directions to the CEO:
about the performance of the CEO’s functions (see section 45); or
requiring the provision of a report or advice on a matter relating to Safe Work Australia’s functions.
Note: Section 42 (disallowance) and Legislation Act 2003 do not apply to the direction—see regulations made for the purposes of paragraphs 44(2)(b) and 54(2)(b) of that Act.Part 4 of Chapter 3 (sunsetting) of the
Directions about the CEO’s functions are to be general
A direction under paragraph (1)(a) must be of a general nature only.
The CEO must comply with the Minister’s directions
The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
When the CEO is not required to comply with directions
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to the extent that the direction relates to the CEO’s performance of functions or exercise of powers under the Public Service Act 1999 in relation to Safe Work Australia.
Safe Work Australia may give directions to the CEO
Safe Work Australia may give written directions to the CEO:
about the performance of the CEO’s function under paragraph 45(1)(b) (assisting Safe Work Australia); or
requiring the provision of a report or advice on a matter relating to Safe Work Australia’s functions.
The CEO must comply with Safe Work Australia’s directions
The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
When the CEO is not required to comply with directions
Subsection (2) does not apply to the extent that:
the direction is inconsistent with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan or operational plan; or
the direction deals with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions; or
compliance with the direction would be inconsistent with a direction of the Minister under section 46; or
(d) compliance with the direction would be inconsistent with the CEO’s performance of functions or exercise of powers under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 in relation to Safe Work Australia; or
(e) the direction relates to the CEO’s performance of functions or exercise of powers under the Public Service Act 1999 in relation to Safe Work Australia.
Direction is not a legislative instrument
A direction under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
The CEO must keep Safe Work Australia informed of progress on its operational plan.
Subdivision B—Appointment of the CEO
Appointment by Minister
The Minister must, by written instrument, appoint the CEO.
Full-time basis
The CEO holds office on a full-time basis.
Period of appointment
The CEO holds office for the period specified in his or her instrument of appointment. The period must not exceed 5 years.
Note: The CEO may be reappointed: see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33AA of the
The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person to act as the CEO:
during a vacancy in the office of the CEO (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or
during any period, or during all periods, when the CEO:
is absent from duty or Australia; or
is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see Acts Interpretation Act 1901.section 33A of the
Subdivision C—Terms and conditions of the CEO
The CEO is to be paid the remuneration that is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. If no determination of that remuneration by the Tribunal is in operation, the CEO is to be paid the remuneration that is prescribed by the regulations.
The CEO is to be paid the allowances that are prescribed by the regulations.
(3) This section has effect subject to the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
The CEO has the recreation leave entitlements that are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.
The Minister may grant the CEO leave of absence, other than recreation leave, on the terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise that the Minister determines.
The CEO must not engage in paid employment outside the duties of his or her office without the Minister’s approval.
The CEO may resign his or her appointment by giving the Minister a written resignation.
The resignation takes effect on the day it is received by the Minister or, if a later day is specified in the resignation, on that later day.
Misbehaviour or incapacity
The Minister may terminate the appointment of the CEO:
for misbehaviour; or
if the CEO is unable to perform the duties of his or her office because of physical or mental incapacity.
Bankruptcy etc.
The Minister may terminate the appointment of the CEO if:
the CEO:
becomes bankrupt; or
applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
compounds with his or her creditors; or
makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the benefit of his or her creditors; or
the CEO is absent, except on leave of absence, for 14 consecutive days or for 28 days in any 12 months; or
the CEO engages, except with the Minister’s approval, in paid employment outside the duties of his or her office (see section 54); or
(d) the CEO fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) or rules made for the purposes of that section.section 29 of the
Unsatisfactory performance
The Minister may terminate the appointment of the CEO if the Minister is of the opinion that the performance of the CEO has been unsatisfactory.
The CEO holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not covered by this Act that are determined by the Minister.
Subdivision A—Staff of Safe Work Australia
(1) The staff of Safe Work Australia must be persons engaged under the Public Service Act 1999.
(2) For the purposes of the Public Service Act 1999:
the CEO and the staff of Safe Work Australia together constitute a Statutory Agency; and
the CEO is the Head of that Statutory Agency.
Subdivision B—Committees of Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia may constitute committees for the purpose of assisting it in the performance of its functions.
A committee may be constituted:
wholly by members; or
wholly by persons who are not members; or
partly by members and partly by other persons.
The procedures under which a committee is to operate are to be as determined by Safe Work Australia.
A committee must give Safe Work Australia such reports, documents and information in relation to the committee’s functions as Safe Work Australia requests.
Subdivision C—Others assisting Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia may also be assisted:
(a) by employees of Agencies (within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999); or
by officers and employees of a State or Territory; or
by officers and employees of authorities of the Commonwealth, State or Territory;
whose services are made available to Safe Work Australia in connection with the performance of any of its functions.
The CEO may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage consultants to assist in the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions.
This Part is about the funding of Safe Work Australia.
It establishes an account for the money that is allocated by the Commonwealth, the States and the Territories for the purposes of Safe Work Australia.
It also provides how that money may be spent.
The Safe Work Australia Special Account is established by this section.
(2) The Account is a special account for the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
There must be credited to the Account amounts equal to the following:
amounts that are paid by a State or Territory to the Commonwealth in accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement;
amounts that the Commonwealth agrees to allocate in accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement;
any other amounts that are paid by a State or Territory to the Commonwealth for the purpose of the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions;
any other amounts that the Commonwealth agrees to allocate for the purpose of the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions;
amounts of any gifts given or bequests made for the purposes of the Account.
Note: An Appropriation Act may contain a provision to the effect that, if any of the purposes of a special account is a purpose that is covered by an item in the Appropriation Act (whether or not the item expressly refers to the special account), then amounts may be debited against the appropriation for that item and credited to that special account.
This section sets out the purposes of the Account.
Amounts standing to the credit of the Account may be debited for the following purposes:
in payment or discharge of the costs, expenses and other obligations incurred by the Commonwealth in the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions;
in payment of any remuneration and allowances payable to any person under this Act;
meeting the expenses of administering the Account.
• The CEO may obtain information.
Scope
This section applies to a person if the CEO believes on reasonable grounds that the person has information that is relevant to the performance of the function of Safe Work Australia set out in item 4 of the table in section 6.
Request
The CEO may, by written notice given to the person, request the person to give to the CEO, within the period and in the manner and form specified in the notice, any such information.
A period specified under subsection (2) must not be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
A manner specified in a notice under subsection (2) must involve the use of a service to which paragraph 51(v) of the Constitution applies.
Compliance
A person may comply with a request under subsection (2).
Subsection (5) has effect despite anything in:
a law of the Commonwealth (other than this Act); or
a law of a State or Territory.
Safe Work Australia may, in writing, delegate all or any of its functions or powers under this Act to the following:
a member;
an SES employee or acting SES employee of the staff of Safe Work Australia.
The CEO may, in writing, delegate all or any of his or her functions or powers under this Act to an SES employee or acting SES employee of the staff of Safe Work Australia.
The WHS Ministers are to give a direction, an approval or a refusal for the purposes of a provision of this Act by resolution of the WHS Ministers passed in accordance with the procedures determined by the WHS Ministers.
The CEO must give to Safe Work Australia and the WHS Ministers the annual report prepared by the CEO and given to the Minister under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for a period.section 46 of the
The Minister must ensure that a copy of the Intergovernmental Agreement is available on the Department’s website.
Minister must conduct review
The Minister must cause a review of Safe Work Australia’s ongoing role and functions to be conducted.
When review is to start and be completed
The review must:
start 6 years after the commencement of this section; and
be completed within 6 months.
Report about review
The Minister must cause a written report about the review to be prepared.
Parliament to be given report
The Minister must cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of Parliament within 15 sitting days after the Minister receives the report.
The Governor-General may make regulations prescribing matters:
required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or
necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.
Endnotes
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.
The following endnotes are included in every compilation:
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
Endnote 3—Legislation history
Endnote 4—Amendment history
Abbreviation key—Endnote 2
The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.
Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4
Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.
The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.
The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.
If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
Misdescribed amendments
A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under Legislation Act 2003.section 15V of the
If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
Endnote 3—Legislation history
Endnote 4—Amendment history