National Harmonisation
Background
By reducing costs and eliminating unnecessary administrative processes, harmonisation is an initiative designed to make it easier for workers and employers who conduct business across multiple states.
The goal of harmonising Australia’s OHS laws has the support of the
- Commonwealth, State and Territory governments
- Prime Minister
- Premiers
- Chief Ministers
- Workplace Relations Ministers
The Council for the Australian Federation met in October 2006 for its inaugural meeting to discuss significant areas of national interest. The council comprises all state premiers and territory chief ministers and is chaired by the South Australian Premier, Mike Rann.
The council was created to improve the way that the states and territories deliver the many key services that affect Australians’ daily lives, including workplace halth and safety and workers compensation.
At the inaugural meeting, all states and territories
- signed an intergovernmental agreement committing to harmonisation of key areas of workplace health and safety and workers compensation schemes
- developed proposals to harmonise the administration of these schemes
WorkCover Tasmania is beginning the process of working with other jurisdictions to develop a nationally-consistent approach to OHS and workers compensation while upholding safety standards.