Safety Bulletin – December 2025
Australia – Asbestos – Review of WHS asbestos framework announced
Safe Work Australia (SWA) has announced it will be reviewing the asbestos framework within the model WHS Regulations, codes of practice and guidance material and has published terms of reference. The review will consider training, asbestos management plan effectiveness, transitioning to a lower occupational exposure limit, powers for WHS regulators to issue notices to high-risk asbestos containing material installed before 2004, effectiveness of in-situ controls and unlicensed asbestos removal.
It will also look at training course effectiveness for licensing asbestos removalists and whether the NOHSC Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres (2005) is current. Public consultation will be undertaken in early 2026 and a final report is due to SWA members in late 2026.
View the SafeWork Australia consultation hub for more information.
Australia – Critical infrastructure – Security of critical infrastructure Act under review
The Critical Infrastructure Security Centre has announced an independent review of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018. The review will assess whether the legislation is operating as intended and achieving its purpose, is fit for purpose, and if there are unintended consequences, to find any gaps or required amendments.
New South Wales – Workplaces – Statewide compliance blitz conducted
SafeWork NSW has completed its recent statewide compliance blitz to target psychosocial risks, falls, harm to workers in the healthcare and social assistance sector, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and injury from mobile plant, vehicles or fixed machinery. 736 non-compliance notices were issued across 570 workplace checks.
See the SafeWork NSW announcement here.