Contents
Part 1—Preliminary 1
1............ Short title............................................................................................. 1
2............ Commencement................................................................................... 1
3............ What this Act is about......................................................................... 2
4............ Definitions.......................................................................................... 2
Part 2—Establishment and functions of Safe Work Australia 5
5............ Establishment...................................................................................... 5
6............ Functions............................................................................................ 5
7............ Performance of functions.................................................................... 7
8............ Immunities and privileges................................................................... 8
Part 3—Membership of Safe Work Australia 9
Division 1—What this Part is about 9
9............ What this Part is about........................................................................ 9
Division 2—Membership and appointment 10
10.......... Membership of Safe Work Australia................................................ 10
11.......... Appointment of the Chair.................................................................. 10
12.......... Appointment of acting Chair............................................................. 11
13.......... Appointment of the Commonwealth representative........................... 11
14.......... Appointment of each State and Territory representative.................... 11
15.......... Appointment of workers’ representatives......................................... 12
16.......... Appointment of employers’ representatives...................................... 12
Division 3—Terms and conditions of voting members 14
Subdivision A—Terms and conditions that apply to all voting members 14
17.......... Basis and period of appointment of all voting members.................... 14
18.......... Disclosure of interests....................................................................... 14
19.......... Resignation of voting members......................................................... 14
20.......... Termination of appointment of voting members................................ 15
Subdivision B—Terms and conditions that apply only to the Chair 16
21.......... Remuneration of the Chair................................................................ 16
22.......... Leave of absence of the Chair........................................................... 16
23.......... Other terms and conditions of the Chair............................................ 16
Subdivision C—Terms and conditions etc. that apply only to other voting members 16
24.......... Leave of absence of other voting members....................................... 16
25.......... Application of the Remuneration Tribunal Act.................................. 16
Part 4—Planning by Safe Work Australia 17
Division 1—What this Part is about 17
26.......... What this Part is about...................................................................... 17
Division 2—Corporate plan for Safe Work Australia 18
27.......... Draft corporate plan.......................................................................... 18
28.......... Approval of draft corporate plan....................................................... 18
Division 3—Operational plan of Safe Work Australia 21
29.......... CEO to prepare a draft operational plan............................................ 21
30.......... Approval of draft operational plan.................................................... 21
Division 4—Ministerial Council’s directions to alter corporate or operational plans 24
31.......... Ministerial Council’s directions to alter corporate plan..................... 24
32.......... Ministerial Council’s directions to alter operational plan................... 25
Part 5—Decision‑making by Safe Work Australia 27
Division 1—What this Part is about 27
33.......... What this Part is about...................................................................... 27
Division 2—Meetings of Safe Work Australia 28
34.......... Holding of meetings.......................................................................... 28
35.......... Presiding at meetings........................................................................ 28
36.......... Substitution of voting members at meetings...................................... 28
37.......... Quorum at meetings.......................................................................... 29
38.......... Decisions at meetings etc.................................................................. 29
39.......... Conduct of meetings......................................................................... 30
41.......... Minutes............................................................................................. 30
Division 3—Decisions without meetings 31
42.......... Decisions without meetings.............................................................. 31
Part 6—The CEO, staff and committees of Safe Work Australia, and others assisting 33
Division 1—What this Part is about 33
43.......... What this Part is about...................................................................... 33
Division 2—The CEO of Safe Work Australia 34
Subdivision A—Functions of the CEO 34
44.......... The CEO........................................................................................... 34
45.......... Functions of the CEO....................................................................... 34
46.......... Directions from the Minister............................................................. 34
48.......... Directions from Safe Work Australia................................................ 35
49.......... CEO to keep Safe Work Australia informed..................................... 36
Subdivision B—Appointment of the CEO 36
50.......... Appointment of CEO........................................................................ 36
51.......... Appointment of acting CEO.............................................................. 37
Subdivision C—Terms and conditions of the CEO 37
52.......... Remuneration of the CEO................................................................. 37
53.......... Leave of absence of the CEO............................................................ 37
54.......... Other employment of the CEO.......................................................... 38
56.......... Resignation of the CEO.................................................................... 38
57.......... Termination of appointment of the CEO........................................... 38
58.......... Other terms and conditions of the CEO............................................ 39
Division 3—Staff and committees of Safe Work Australia, and others assisting it 40
Subdivision A—Staff of Safe Work Australia 40
59.......... Staff of Safe Work Australia............................................................. 40
Subdivision B—Committees of Safe Work Australia 40
60.......... Committees of Safe Work Australia.................................................. 40
Subdivision C—Others assisting Safe Work Australia 40
61.......... Persons assisting Safe Work Australia............................................. 40
62.......... Consultants....................................................................................... 41
Part 7—The Safe Work Australia Special Account 42
63.......... What this Part is about...................................................................... 42
64.......... The Safe Work Australia Special Account........................................ 42
65.......... Credits to the Account....................................................................... 42
66.......... Purposes of the Account................................................................... 43
Part 8—Miscellaneous 44
67.......... Delegation by Safe Work Australia................................................... 44
68.......... Delegation by the CEO of Safe Work Australia................................ 44
69.......... How Ministerial Council gives directions etc.................................... 44
70.......... Annual report.................................................................................... 44
71.......... Intergovernmental Agreement to be available on the Internet............ 44
72.......... Review of Safe Work Australia’s role and functions........................ 45
73.......... Regulations....................................................................................... 45
Endnotes 46
Endnote 1—About the endnotes 46
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key 48
Endnote 3—Legislation history 49
Endnote 4—Amendment history 50
Endnote 5—Uncommenced amendments [none] 53
Endnote 6—Modifications [none] 53
Endnote 7—Misdescribed amendments [none] 53
Endnote 8—Miscellaneous [none] 53
An Act to establish Safe Work Australia, and for related purposes
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Safe Work Australia Act 2008.
2 Commencement
(1) 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.
Commencement information |
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
Provision(s) | Commencement | Date/Details |
1. Sections 1 and 2 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table | The day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. | 18 September 2009 |
2. Sections 3 to 73 | A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. However, if any of the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the first day after the end of that period. | 1 November 2009 (see F2009L03902) |
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.
(2) 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.
3 What this Act is about
This Act creates a body called Safe Work Australia to improve occupational 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 occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation (see section 6). For example, one of its functions is to prepare model OHS legislation for adoption as a law of the Commonwealth, each of the States and each of the Territories.
The Ministerial Council (a body that consists of Ministers from the Commonwealth, States and Territories) has some oversight of Safe Work Australia’s activities. For example, the Council considers whether to approve the model OHS legislation that Safe Work Australia has prepared.
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.
4 Definitions
In this Act:
approved model OHS codes of practice means the model OHS codes of practice that are approved by the Ministerial Council, as amended from time to time.
approved model OHS legislation means the model OHS legislation that is approved by the Ministerial Council, as amended from time to time.
approved OHS compliance and enforcement policy means the policy that:
(a) deals with the compliance and enforcement of Australian laws that adopt the approved model OHS legislation; and
(b) is developed by Safe Work Australia under item 5 of the table in section 6; and
(c) is approved by the Ministerial Council;
as amended from time to time.
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.
Ministerial Council means the council of Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers that:
(a) is known as the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council on the day on which this definition commences; and
(b) is constituted so that it consists of no more than one Minister representing each of the Commonwealth, the States and the Territories when dealing with matters with which this Act is concerned.
model OHS codes of practice means the model codes of practice relating to OHS that are prepared by Safe Work Australia under item 3 of the table in section 6, as amended from time to time.
model OHS legislation means the model Act and model regulations relating to OHS that are prepared by Safe Work Australia under item 2 of the table in section 6, as amended from time to time.
OHS means occupational health and safety.
Territory means the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory.
voting member means a member other than the CEO.
Part 2—Establishment and functions of Safe Work Australia
5 Establishment
(1) 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):
(a) Safe Work Australia is a listed entity; and
(b) the CEO is the accountable authority of Safe Work Australia; and
(c) the following persons are officials of Safe Work Australia:
(i) the CEO;
(ii) the other members;
(iii) the staff of Safe Work Australia referred to in section 59;
(iv) persons whose services are made available to Safe Work Australia under section 61; and
(d) the purposes of Safe Work Australia include the functions of Safe Work Australia referred to in section 6.
6 Functions
Safe Work Australia has the functions set out in this table:
Functions of Safe Work Australia |
Item | Topic | The functions of Safe Work Australia are: |
1 | National policy about OHS and workers’ compensation | to develop national policy relating to OHS and workers’ compensation; and |
2 | Model OHS legislation | to prepare a model Act and model regulations relating to OHS and, if necessary, revise them: (a) for approval by the Ministerial Council; and (b) for adoption as laws of the Commonwealth, each of the States and each of the Territories; and |
3 | Model OHS codes of practice | to prepare model codes of practice relating to OHS and, if necessary, revise them: (a) for approval by the Ministerial Council; and (b) for adoption as codes of practice of the Commonwealth, each of the States and each of the Territories and made under laws of those jurisdictions that adopt the approved model OHS legislation; and |
4 | Other OHS material | to prepare other material relating to OHS and, if necessary, revise that material; and |
5 | Policy dealing with compliance and enforcement of approved model OHS legislation | to develop a policy, for approval by the Ministerial Council, dealing with the compliance and enforcement of the Australian laws that adopt the approved model OHS legislation, to ensure that a nationally consistent approach is taken to compliance and enforcement; and |
6 | Monitoring adoption of approved model OHS legislation etc. in jurisdictions | to monitor the adoption by the Commonwealth, States and Territories of: (a) the approved model OHS legislation as a law of those jurisdictions; and (b) the approved model OHS codes of practice as codes of practice of those jurisdictions; and (c) the approved OHS compliance and enforcement policy as a policy of those jurisdictions; and |
7 | Collection etc. of data | to collect, analyse and publish data or other information relating to OHS and workers’ compensation in order to inform the development or evaluation of policies in relation to those matters; and |
8 | Research etc. | to conduct and publish research relating to OHS and workers’ compensation in order to inform the development or evaluation of policies in relation to those matters; and |
9 | National OHS Strategy 2002‑2012 | to revise and further develop the National OHS Strategy 2002‑2012 released by the Ministerial Council on 24 May 2002, as amended from time to time; and |
10 | National awareness strategies | to develop and promote national strategies to raise awareness of OHS and workers’ compensation; and |
11 | Workers’ compensation arrangements | to develop proposals relating to: (a) harmonising workers’ compensation arrangements across the Commonwealth, States and Territories; and (b) national workers’ compensation arrangements for employers with workers in more than one of those jurisdictions; and |
12 | Advising Ministerial Council on OHS and workers’ compensation | to advise the Ministerial Council on matters relating to OHS or workers’ compensation; and |
13 | Liaising outside Australia on OHS and workers’ compensation | to liaise with other countries or international organisations on matters relating to OHS or workers’ compensation; and |
14 | Other conferred functions | such other functions that are conferred on it by, or under, this Act or any other Commonwealth Act. |
7 Performance of functions
(1) Safe Work Australia must perform its functions in accordance with its corporate plan and operational plan.
(2) When performing its functions, Safe Work Australia may consult with:
(a) governments and government bodies; and
(b) representatives of workers and employers; and
(c) other interested people, bodies and organisations.
8 Immunities and privileges
Safe Work Australia has the privileges and immunities of the Crown in the right of the Commonwealth.
Part 3—Membership of Safe Work Australia
Division 1—What this Part is about
9 What this Part is about
This Part deals with Safe Work Australia’s membership.
Division 2 sets out its membership. It also deals with the appointment of voting members (that is, members other than the CEO). (For the appointment of the CEO, see Division 2 of Part 6.)
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.
Division 2—Membership and appointment
10 Membership of Safe Work Australia
Membership
(1) Safe Work Australia consists of the following members:
(a) the Chair;
(b) 1 member who represents the Commonwealth;
(c) 8 members, each of whom represents a different State or Territory;
(d) 2 members who represent the interests of workers in Australia;
(e) 2 members who represent the interests of employers in Australia;
(f) the CEO.
When membership falls below threshold
(2) Safe Work Australia may not perform its functions if more than one‑third of the voting members’ offices are vacant.
11 Appointment of the Chair
Appointment by Minister
(1) The Minister must, by written instrument, appoint a person to be the Chair.
Note: The Chair may be reappointed: see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Consultation of Ministerial Council
(2) The Minister can only make the appointment if the Ministerial Council has been consulted about the appointment of the person.
12 Appointment of acting Chair
Appointment by Minister
(1) The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person to act as the Chair:
(a) during a vacancy in the office of the Chair (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or
(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Chair:
(i) is absent from duty or Australia; or
(ii) is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Consultation of Ministerial Council
(2) However, the Minister can only do so if the Ministerial Council has been consulted about the appointment of that person.
13 Appointment of the Commonwealth representative
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 section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
14 Appointment of each State and Territory representative
Appointment of State or Territory representative
(1) 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 section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Nomination of State or Territory representative
(2) The Minister can only make the appointment if the person has been nominated for the appointment by the State or Territory.
15 Appointment of workers’ representatives
Appointment of workers’ representatives
(1) 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 section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Nomination of workers’ representatives
(2) The Minister can only make the appointment if:
(a) the person has been nominated for the appointment by an authorised body; and
(b) the Minister agrees to the person being appointed.
(3) 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
(4) 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.
16 Appointment of employers’ representatives
Appointment of employers’ representatives
(1) 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 section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Nomination of employers’ representatives
(2) The Minister can only make the appointment if:
(a) the person has been nominated for the appointment by an authorised body; and
(b) the Minister agrees to the person being appointed.
(3) 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
(4) 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.
Division 3—Terms and conditions of voting members
Subdivision A—Terms and conditions that apply to all voting members
17 Basis and period of appointment of all voting members
Part‑time basis
(1) A voting member holds office on a part‑time basis.
Period of appointment
(2) 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 section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
18 Disclosure of interests
(1) A disclosure by a voting member under section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) must be made to the Minister.
(2) 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.
19 Resignation of voting members
(1) A voting member may resign his or her appointment by giving the Minister a written resignation.
(2) 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.
20 Termination of appointment of voting members
Misbehaviour or incapacity
(1) The Minister may terminate the appointment of a voting member:
(a) for misbehaviour; or
(b) if the member is unable to perform the duties of his or her office because of physical or mental incapacity.
Bankruptcy etc.
(2) The Minister may terminate the appointment of a voting member if:
(a) the member:
(i) becomes bankrupt; or
(ii) applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
(iii) compounds with his or her creditors; or
(iv) makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the benefit of his or her creditors; or
(b) 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 section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) or rules made for the purposes of that section.
Nominating body’s request
(3) 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
21 Remuneration of the Chair
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
22 Leave of absence of the Chair
The Minister may grant leave of absence to the Chair on the terms and conditions as to remuneration or otherwise that the Minister determines.
23 Other terms and conditions of the Chair
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
24 Leave of absence of other voting members
The Chair may grant leave of absence to any other voting member.
25 Application of the Remuneration Tribunal Act
The office of a voting member (other than the Chair) is not a public office within the meaning of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.
Part 4—Planning by Safe Work Australia
Division 1—What this Part is about
26 What this Part is about
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)).
Division 2 deals with the corporate plan. The CEO prepares a draft corporate plan and gives it to the Ministerial Council for approval. Once the Ministerial Council approves the draft plan, the plan is given to the Minister under section 35 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act.
Division 3 deals with the operational plan. The CEO prepares a draft operational plan and gives it to the Ministerial Council for approval. Once the Ministerial Council approves 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 4 allows the Ministerial Council to direct the CEO to amend either of the final plans.
Division 2—Corporate plan for Safe Work Australia
27 Draft corporate plan
(1) Before giving a corporate plan to the Minister under section 35 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, the CEO must prepare a draft corporate plan and give it to the Ministerial Council.
(2) Despite that section, the draft corporate plan must deal with the following matters only:
(a) the outcomes to be achieved by Safe Work Australia;
(b) the strategies that are to be followed by Safe Work Australia to achieve those outcomes.
(3) 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.
28 Approval of draft corporate plan
Ministerial Council to approve or refuse plan
(1) If the draft corporate plan is given to the Ministerial Council, the Council must:
(a) approve the draft plan; or
(b) refuse to approve the draft plan.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives approvals or refusals by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
Ministerial Council’s directions to alter plan
(2) If the Ministerial Council refuses to approve the draft plan, the Council must direct the CEO to:
(a) make specified alterations to the draft plan; and
(b) give the altered draft plan to the Council within the period specified in the direction.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives directions by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
(3) A direction under subsection (2):
(a) may only specify an alteration to the draft plan about the following matters:
(i) the outcomes to be achieved by Safe Work Australia;
(ii) the strategies Safe Work Australia is to follow to achieve those outcomes; and
(b) must not specify an alteration dealing with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions.
CEO to comply with Council’s directions
(4) The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (2).
When Council must approve plan
(5) The Ministerial Council must approve the altered draft plan if:
(a) the altered draft plan is given to the Council; and
(b) the alterations are in accordance with the direction.
Otherwise, the Ministerial Council may refuse to approve the altered draft plan.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives approvals or refusals by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
Corporate plan
(6) When the draft corporate plan, or altered draft corporate plan, as the case may be, is approved by the Ministerial Council, that plan is to be given to the Minister under section 35 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Directions etc. not legislative instruments
(8) If a direction, an approval or a refusal of the Ministerial Council under this section is made in writing, the direction, approval or refusal is not a legislative instrument.
Division 3—Operational plan of Safe Work Australia
29 CEO to prepare a draft operational plan
Preparation of plan
(1) Before the start of each financial year, the CEO must prepare a draft operational plan for the financial year and give it to the Ministerial Council.
Matters dealt with in plan
(2) The draft plan must deal with the following matters only:
(a) the activities that are to be undertaken by Safe Work Australia in performing its functions during the year;
(b) Safe Work Australia’s total amount of expenditure for the year.
(3) The draft plan must not:
(a) deal with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions; or
(b) be inconsistent with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan that relates to the year.
30 Approval of draft operational plan
Ministerial Council to approve or refuse plan
(1) If the draft operational plan is given to the Ministerial Council, the Council must:
(a) approve the draft plan; or
(b) refuse to approve the draft plan.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives approvals or refusals by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
Ministerial Council’s directions to alter plan
(2) If the Council refuses to approve the draft plan, the Council must direct the CEO to:
(a) make specified alterations to the draft plan; and
(b) give the altered draft plan to the Council within the period specified in the direction.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives directions by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
(3) A direction under subsection (2):
(a) may only specify an alteration to the draft plan about the following matters:
(i) the activities that are to be undertaken by Safe Work Australia in performing its functions during the year;
(ii) Safe Work Australia’s total amount of expenditure for the year; and
(b) must not specify an alteration dealing with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions; and
(c) must not be inconsistent with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan that relates to the year.
CEO to comply with Council’s directions
(4) The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (2).
When Council must approve plan
(5) The Ministerial Council must approve the altered draft plan if:
(a) the altered draft plan is given to the Ministerial Council; and
(b) the alterations are in accordance with the direction.
Otherwise, the Ministerial Council may refuse to approve the altered draft plan.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives approvals or refusals by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
When plan becomes the final plan
(6) When the Ministerial Council approves 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
(7) An operational plan must be published in such manner as the CEO considers appropriate.
Directions etc. not legislative instruments
(8) If a direction, an approval or a refusal of the Ministerial Council under this section is made in writing, the direction, approval or refusal is not a legislative instrument.
Division 4—Ministerial Council’s directions to alter corporate or operational plans
31 Ministerial Council’s directions to alter corporate plan
Ministerial Council’s directions
(1) The Ministerial Council may direct the CEO to:
(a) make specified alterations to the corporate plan for Safe Work Australia; and
(b) give the altered plan to the Council within the period specified in the direction.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives a direction by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
Direction to amend corporate plan
(2) A direction under subsection (1):
(a) may only specify an alteration to the plan about the following matters:
(i) the outcomes to be achieved by Safe Work Australia;
(ii) the strategies Safe Work Australia is to follow to achieve those outcomes; and
(b) must not specify an alteration dealing with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions.
CEO to comply with Council’s directions
(3) The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
When Council must approve alterations to plan
(4) The Ministerial Council must approve the alterations to the plan if:
(a) the plan as altered is given to the Ministerial Council; and
(b) the alterations are in accordance with the direction.
Otherwise, the Ministerial Council may refuse to approve the alterations.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives approvals or refusals by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
When alterations to corporate plan are to be given to the Minister
(5) When the altered corporate plan is approved by the Ministerial Council, that plan is to be given to the Minister under section 35 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Directions etc. not legislative instruments
(7) If a direction, an approval or a refusal of the Ministerial Council under this section is made in writing, the direction, approval or refusal is not a legislative instrument.
32 Ministerial Council’s directions to alter operational plan
Ministerial Council’s directions
(1) The Ministerial Council may direct the CEO to:
(a) make specified alterations to its operational plan for a financial year; and
(b) give the altered plan to the Council within the period specified in the direction.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives a direction by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
(2) A direction under subsection (1):
(a) may only specify an alteration to the plan about the following matters:
(i) the activities that are to be undertaken by Safe Work Australia in performing its functions during the year;
(ii) Safe Work Australia’s total amount of expenditure for the year; and
(b) must not specify an alteration dealing with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions; and
(c) must not be inconsistent with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan that relates to the year.
CEO to comply with Council’s directions
(3) The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
When Council must approve alterations to plan
(4) The Ministerial Council must approve the alterations to the plan if:
(a) the plan as altered is given to the Ministerial Council; and
(b) the alterations are in accordance with the direction.
Otherwise, the Ministerial Council may refuse to approve the alterations.
Note: The Ministerial Council gives approvals or refusals by resolution of the Council: see section 69.
When alterations to operational plan take effect
(5) When the Ministerial Council approves 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
(6) An altered operational plan must be published in such manner as the CEO considers appropriate.
Directions etc. not legislative instruments
(7) If a direction, an approval or a refusal of the Ministerial Council under this section is made in writing, the direction, approval or refusal is not a legislative instrument.
Part 5—Decision‑making by Safe Work Australia
Division 1—What this Part is about
33 What this Part is about
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 OHS legislation or model OHS codes of practice.
Division 3 deals with how it can make decisions without meeting.
Division 2—Meetings of Safe Work Australia
34 Holding of meetings
(1) Safe Work Australia must hold such meetings as are necessary for the performance of its functions.
(2) The Chair:
(a) may convene a meeting at any time; and
(b) must convene at least 3 meetings each financial year.
35 Presiding at meetings
(1) The Chair presides at all meetings at which he or she is present.
(2) If the Chair is not present at a meeting but the voting member representing the Commonwealth is present, that member is to preside.
(3) If the Chair and that member are not present at a meeting, the other voting members present must appoint one of themselves to preside.
36 Substitution of voting members at meetings
(1) 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.
(2) 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 section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) and rules made for the purposes of that section.
37 Quorum at meetings
(1) At a meeting of Safe Work Australia, a majority of the voting members constitute a quorum.
(2) However, if:
(a) rules made for the purposes of section 29 of the 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; and
(b) 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.
(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), a quorum is not constituted for the purpose of any deliberation or decision relating to the model OHS legislation or model OHS codes of practice 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).
38 Decisions at meetings etc.
(1) At a meeting, a question is decided by a two‑thirds majority of the votes of the voting members present and voting.
(2) However, if the question relates to the model OHS legislation or model OHS codes of practice, the question is decided by:
(a) a two‑thirds majority of the votes of the voting members present and voting; and
(b) 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).
39 Conduct of meetings
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.
41 Minutes
Safe Work Australia must keep minutes of its meetings.
Division 3—Decisions without meetings
42 Decisions without meetings
General decisions
(1) Safe Work Australia is taken to have made a decision at a meeting if:
(a) without meeting, a two‑thirds majority of the voting members entitled to vote on the proposed decision indicate agreement with the decision; and
(b) that agreement is indicated in accordance with the method determined by Safe Work Australia under subsection (3); and
(c) 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 OHS legislation or codes of practice
(2) However, if the decision relates to the model OHS legislation or model OHS codes of practice, Safe Work Australia is only taken to have made the decision at a meeting if:
(a) without meeting:
(i) a two‑thirds majority of the voting members entitled to vote on the proposed decision; and
(ii) a majority of the votes of all the voting members who represent the Commonwealth, States and Territories;
indicate agreement with the decision; and
(b) that agreement is indicated in accordance with the method determined by Safe Work Australia under subsection (3); and
(c) 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
(3) Subsection (1) or (2) applies only if:
(a) Safe Work Australia has determined that it may make decisions of that kind without meeting; and
(b) 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
(4) 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
(5) Safe Work Australia must keep a record of decisions made in accordance with this section.
Part 6—The CEO, staff and committees of Safe Work Australia, and others assisting
Division 1—What this Part is about
43 What this Part is about
This Part is about Safe Work Australia’s CEO, its staff, its committees and others who assist it to perform its functions.
CEO
Division 2 is about 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).
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.
Division 2—The CEO of Safe Work Australia
Subdivision A—Functions of the CEO
44 The CEO
There is to be a Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia.
45 Functions of the CEO
(1) The CEO’s functions are:
(a) to manage the administration of Safe Work Australia; and
(b) to assist Safe Work Australia in the performance of its functions.
(2) The CEO must perform his or her functions in accordance with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan and operational plan.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to the extent that:
(a) 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.
46 Directions from the Minister
Minister may give directions to the CEO
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, give written directions to the CEO:
(a) about the performance of the CEO’s functions (see section 45); or
(b) requiring the provision of a report or advice on a matter relating to Safe Work Australia’s functions.
Note 1: Section 42 (disallowance) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 does not apply to the direction—see section 44 of that Act.
Note 2: Part 6 (sunsetting) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 does not apply to the direction—see section 54 of that Act.
Directions about the CEO’s functions are to be general
(2) A direction under paragraph (1)(a) must be of a general nature only.
The CEO must comply with the Minister’s directions
(3) 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.
48 Directions from Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia may give directions to the CEO
(1) Safe Work Australia may give written directions to the CEO:
(a) about the performance of the CEO’s function under paragraph 45(1)(b) (assisting Safe Work Australia); or
(b) 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
(2) The CEO must comply with a direction under subsection (1).
When the CEO is not required to comply with directions
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to the extent that:
(a) the direction is inconsistent with Safe Work Australia’s corporate plan or operational plan; or
(b) the direction deals with the allocation of resources for the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions; or
(c) 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
(4) A direction under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
49 CEO to keep Safe Work Australia informed
The CEO must keep Safe Work Australia informed of progress on its operational plan.
Subdivision B—Appointment of the CEO
50 Appointment of CEO
Appointment by Minister
(1) The Minister must, by written instrument, appoint the CEO.
Full‑time basis
(2) The CEO holds office on a full‑time basis.
Period of appointment
(3) 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 section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
51 Appointment of acting CEO
The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person to act as the CEO:
(a) during a vacancy in the office of the CEO (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or
(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the CEO:
(i) is absent from duty or Australia; or
(ii) is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.
Note: For rules that apply to acting appointments, see section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Subdivision C—Terms and conditions of the CEO
52 Remuneration of the CEO
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
53 Leave of absence of the CEO
(1) The CEO has the recreation leave entitlements that are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.
(2) 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.
54 Other employment of the CEO
The CEO must not engage in paid employment outside the duties of his or her office without the Minister’s approval.
56 Resignation of the CEO
(1) The CEO may resign his or her appointment by giving the Minister a written resignation.
(2) 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.
57 Termination of appointment of the CEO
Misbehaviour or incapacity
(1) The Minister may terminate the appointment of the CEO:
(a) for misbehaviour; or
(b) if the CEO is unable to perform the duties of his or her office because of physical or mental incapacity.
Bankruptcy etc.
(2) The Minister may terminate the appointment of the CEO if:
(a) the CEO:
(i) becomes bankrupt; or
(ii) applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
(iii) compounds with his or her creditors; or
(iv) makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the benefit of his or her creditors; or
(b) the CEO is absent, except on leave of absence, for 14 consecutive days or for 28 days in any 12 months; or
(c) 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 section 29 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (which deals with the duty to disclose interests) or rules made for the purposes of that section.
Unsatisfactory performance
(3) 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.
58 Other terms and conditions of the CEO
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.
Division 3—Staff and committees of Safe Work Australia, and others assisting it
Subdivision A—Staff of Safe Work Australia
59 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:
(a) the CEO and the staff of Safe Work Australia together constitute a Statutory Agency; and
(b) the CEO is the Head of that Statutory Agency.
Subdivision B—Committees of Safe Work Australia
60 Committees of Safe Work Australia
(1) Safe Work Australia may constitute committees for the purpose of assisting it in the performance of its functions.
(2) A committee may be constituted:
(a) wholly by members; or
(b) wholly by persons who are not members; or
(c) partly by members and partly by other persons.
(3) The procedures under which a committee is to operate are to be as determined by Safe Work Australia.
(4) 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
61 Persons 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
(b) by officers and employees of a State or Territory; or
(c) 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.
62 Consultants
The CEO may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, engage consultants to assist in the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions.
Part 7—The Safe Work Australia Special Account
63 What this Part is about
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.
64 The Safe Work Australia Special Account
(1) 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.
65 Credits to the Account
There must be credited to the Account amounts equal to the following:
(a) amounts that are paid by a State or Territory to the Commonwealth in accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement;
(b) amounts that the Commonwealth agrees to allocate in accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement;
(c) 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;
(d) any other amounts that the Commonwealth agrees to allocate for the purpose of the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions;
(e) 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.
66 Purposes of the Account
(1) This section sets out the purposes of the Account.
(2) Amounts standing to the credit of the Account may be debited for the following purposes:
(a) in payment or discharge of the costs, expenses and other obligations incurred by the Commonwealth in the performance of Safe Work Australia’s functions;
(b) in payment of any remuneration and allowances payable to any person under this Act;
(c) meeting the expenses of administering the Account.
Part 8—Miscellaneous
67 Delegation by Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia may, in writing, delegate all or any of its functions or powers under this Act to the following:
(a) a member;
(b) an SES employee or acting SES employee of the staff of Safe Work Australia.
68 Delegation by the CEO 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.
69 How Ministerial Council gives directions etc.
The Ministerial Council is to give a direction, an approval or a refusal for the purposes of a provision of this Act by resolution of the Council passed in accordance with the procedures determined by the Council.
70 Annual report
The CEO must give to Safe Work Australia and the Ministerial Council the annual report prepared by the CEO and given to the Minister under section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for a period.
71 Intergovernmental Agreement to be available on the Internet
The Minister must ensure that a copy of the Intergovernmental Agreement is available on the Department’s website.
72 Review of Safe Work Australia’s role and functions
Minister must conduct review
(1) 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
(2) The review must:
(a) start 6 years after the commencement of this section; and
(b) be completed within 6 months.
Report about review
(3) The Minister must cause a written report about the review to be prepared.
Parliament to be given report
(4) 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.
73 Regulations
The Governor‑General may make regulations prescribing matters:
(a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or
(b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.