Current News

Health and Safety Month is packed with face-to-face and online opportunities to connect, learn and share. Throughout October WorkSafe will hold 18 in-person events and 14 webinars. Join us to hear from guest speakers and industry experts on topics including:

• Improving psychological health and safety
• Supporting HSRs
• Preparing young people for safe work
• Construction safety
• Health and safety in the transport industry  
• Supporting injured workers return to safe work
• Best practice manual handling
• Plus many more

All events are free, so don't miss this chance to connect, learn and share.

Visit our website or find an event near you.

Wednesday, 30 August

2023 Grants set to fight against the Queensland Fruit Fly

The Andrews Labor Government is bolstering fruit growers’ capacity to combat against the Queensland fruit fly (QFF) – delivering grants to ensure Victoria is well protected from the pest. Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney announced the successful recipients from the second round of Victorian Fruit Fly Strategy grants which will help roll out QFF management programs across regional Victoria. 

Read the full Media Release here

Second Varroa emergency zone extends into Victoria
29 August 2023

Varroa mite has been detected near Balranald in the NSW Riverina district which will impact beekeepers with hives in Victoria within the 25 kilometres surveillance emergency zone (SEZ) put in place by New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI).

This is the second emergency zone extending into Victoria, after the detection at Euston last week. Biosecurity (Varroa mite) Emergency Orders have been issued for both locations.

Victorian beekeepers within the surveillance emergency zones will not be allowed to move their hives into, within or out of the zones at this time.

Visit the Ag Vic website to read more of this Media Release.

Employees of small business employers can now access 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave in a 12-month period.

Employees of non-small business employers could access the leave from 1 February 2023.

Visit the FWO website for further information

Changes to the PALM Scheme
The Australian Government has announced a number of changes to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, as well as new protections for migrant workers.

Labour hire providers and hosts who employ migrant workers should be aware of the changes, to ensure they continue to meet their obligations.

Visit the Labour Hire Authority website for further information regarding these changes.

Fair Work Act changes: Protecting Worker Entitlements

Some workplace changes that take effect in December 2023 and January 2024, include

• changes to authorised employee deductions
• the right to superannuation in the National Employment Standards
• long service leave entitlements changes for casual employees in the black coal mining industry.

You can access a summary from Fair Work Act changes: Protecting Worker Entitlements. 
There are other workplace law changes starting from June 2023 until the end of the year.
Read our summary information (and download our timeline) to make sure you’re ready: Upcoming workplace law changes affecting you.