VIC Fines for Threatening People Who Use Workplace Health and Safety Powers

Workplace Legislation Amendment (Accident Compensation and Other Matters) Bill 2026

24 Sep 2026: Parliament has voted to pass this bill — it's just waiting for the Governor's sign-off.

Legislative Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

Topics

criminal penalties employer obligations industrial relations information sharing occupational health privacy regulatory compliance whistleblower protection worker protection workplace health and safety workplace insurance +6 more

Introduced by: Jaclyn Symes MLC (ALP); Steve Dimopoulos MP (ALP)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

People cannot threaten, intimidate or coerce anyone trying to use their powers under the OHS Act; fines are 500 penalty units (2026: $104,550) for individuals and 2500 penalty units (2026: $522,750) for companies.
People cannot cause loss, injury or disadvantage to anyone because that person intends to use or has used their OHS Act powers; fines are 500 penalty units (2026: $104,550) for individuals and 2500 penalty units (2026: $522,750) for companies.
The Magistrates' Court can grant orders to stop people from threatening or intimidating others regarding OHS Act powers.
Health and safety representatives and authorised representatives cannot share, publish, or disclose photos, recordings, documents, or private workplace information if the purpose is not connected to their official powers or duties, and may be fined or disqualified for doing so.
The WorkSafe Minister must set requirements and rules for banks and financial institutions providing guarantees to self-insurers and employers.
Self-insurers and employers must provide guarantees via a qualifying bank or financial institution, or use a surety bond from a qualifying issuer.
People providing a new guarantee must use a form approved by the Authority and provide it through a qualifying bank or financial institution, or use a qualifying surety bond.
If parties cannot agree on a workplace group negotiation within a reasonable time, they can ask the Authority to have an inspector decide the unresolved details.