Higher Penalties and New Evidential Burdens for Work Health and Safety Breaches

Work Health and Safety Amendment Bill 2023

1st House

2nd House

Law

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

The accused must provide evidence of a reasonable excuse to avoid liability
Fines increase to 1,214 penalty units for business conductors or officers
Fines increase to 607 penalty units for other individuals
Fines for breaking work health and safety entry permit conditions rise to 121 penalty units for individuals; they rise to 607 penalty units for companies
The regulator cannot issue a prohibition or prohibited asbestos notice if reasonable steps have been taken
Insurance contracts cannot cover a person's liability for monetary penalties; any such terms are void

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