At present there are eight different sets of law covering OHS in Australia. The Federal Rudd Government has committed to harmonise OHS legislation by establishing a Review panel. The Panel is to report on priority areas to the Minister for Workplace Relations by October 31st this year and on the remaining matters by January 30 2009.

The Union movement sees this as an opportunity to improve standards; however the activity of employer associations has lead to a fear that the harmonisation will lead to the adoption of the "lowest common denominator."

The ACTU has initiated a new campaign to deliver the highest standards for harmonisied OHS laws. The AEU is a part of this campaign. Up to date information and activities including a petition can be found at Campaign for Highest Standards for Harmonised OHS Laws.

The ACTU has developed the Occupational Health and Safety Compensation and Rehabilitation Union Charter of Workplace Rights as the minimum standards for any model.

What can you do?
We need workers' voices to be heard in the process. members should participate in activities organised by the AEU and the ACTU to apply as much pressure as possible, both to the Review panel and the Victorian government, to ensure a workers' rights approach is adopted as the basis for any OHS model law.

Keep an eye on the AEU and ACTU websites for regularly updated campaign information. Download the following documents and share them with your colleagues.

Further information
AEU submission to the Review
Member campaign activities
HSR campaign activities
ACTU OHS standards information kit
ACTU OHS website
Background information
Link to National review website