Safety Bulletin - January 2024
Australia – New cyber security legislation and SOCI amendments proposed
The Australian Government has published a consultation paper on cyber security legislative reforms and is seeking public feedback. The proposal includes new cyber security legislation as well as amendments to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act), surrounding data storage systems and business critical data, security requirements for the telecommunications sector, powers for Home Affairs when an incident occurs or a risk management program is deficient, and information sharing.
Read more from Home Affairs here.
South Australia – Industrial manslaughter Bill passed
The South Australian Government has announced that the Work Health and Safety (Industrial Manslaughter) Amendment Bill 2023 has passed Parliament, making industrial manslaughter a criminal offence. The Act will not add any new duties but will increase penalties for breaches of existing duties that result in death. The new legislation is planned to commence mid-2024.
Read more from SafeWork South Australia here.
Australia – Engineered stone use to be banned
WHS ministers have agreed to ban the use of engineered stone under the model WHS laws following a recommendation by Safe Work Australia. The ban is expected to commence from 1 July 2024 for the majority of jurisdictions, and will prohibit all engineered stone from being manufactured, supplied and used. Safe Work Australia will draft amendments to the model WHS Regulations, develop a framework for using the product prior to the ban commencing, and create guidance to prepare for and understand the changes. Ministers will meet again in March 2024.