NOT QUITE A BRAVE NEW WORLD: VICTORIA’S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT 2004

Abstract

[This article provides a concise overview of the Victoria’s new Occupa- tional Health and Safety Act 2004 (“OHSA 2004”). After outlining the Maxwell Report on which much of the OHSA 2004 is based, the article ex- amines the principal legislative provisions of the Act, especially those that differ from the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 (Vic) (“1985 Act”). Analysis of the legislation evaluates some positive developments, as well as suggests amendments. Although the OHSA 2004 contains numer- ous alterations in its scheme as compared to the 1985 Act, these changes are unlikely to usher in a brave new world of occupational health and safety regulation in Victoria.]