Changes to Legislation

admin • August 4, 2025

The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 has passed Parliament.


It makes changes to three pieces of legislation:

1.     The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013,

2.     The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and

3.     The Accident Compensation Act 1985 


The changes aim 'to improve support for injured workers and their families in Victoria, enhancing compensation entitlements and rehabilitation processes.’


In summary, the key provisions of the Bill are:

1.     Code of Claimants' Rights to be created to ensure injured workers are treated with dignity and respect


2.     Lived Experience Membership on WorkSafe Committees. It is now required that there be lived experience membership on the WorkSafe Board Advisory Committees, creating a ‘seat at the table’ for those personally affected by poor safety practices.


3.     Return to Work (RTW) Coordinators:Employers will be required to provide RTW coordinators with necessary assistance and training to improve return-to-work outcomes for injured employees. The details of this are yet to be made clear, pending directives form The Minister and WorkSafe. There will be penalty units attached to this requirement.


4.     Compensation for Families of deceased workers:  The bill improves compensation by:

a)    Allowing for provisional payments be made to dependants following a work-related suicide.

b)    Extending the length of the provisional payment period from 13 weeks to 26 weeks for dependent partners of deceased workers. This will mean that dependants will be less likely to be left without an income while the claim is being processed.

c)     Increasing the weekly payments to the dependent children of deceased workers. This is an increase from 5% of ‘pre-injury average weekly earnings’ to 12.5%, allowing for improved financial support of children.

d)    Grief and Loss payments to be made to close family members following the death of their loved one. This will acknowledge the loss of family members who previously had no eligibility for compensation.


5. Broader Support Services:The amendments will allow access to a wider range of therapy and support services for families affected by work-related deaths and serious injuries. This change allows for ‘support services’ to be broader than just psychology.


6. Independent Review Requirement:The bill mandates an independent review of the workers' compensation scheme at least every five years, starting in 2030, to ensure ongoing improvements and accountability. 


The Bill passed the Victorian Parliament on the 31st July 2025.


The primary aim of the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 is to strengthen the support system for injured workers and their families. It also requires for injured workers to be treated with dignity and respect during their recovery and rehabilitation processes. 

Any improvement to the support of those affected by work related injury and death can only be a good thing.


For more detail on the changes, take a look at:

Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 | legislation.vic.gov.au

Safety Starts with BeSafe Victoria

By admin • July 28, 2025
When it comes to workplace safety, the stakes are high. When it comes to safety training, BeSafe Victoria has emerged as a leader, setting the gold standard for occupational health and safety (OHS) education in Regional Victoria. Here’s why they stand out as the best safety trainers: 1. Passion for Safety At BeSafe Victoria, safety isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Their team lives and breathes safety education, driven by a genuine passion for creating safer workplaces. BeSafe Victoria’s team is driven by a genuine commitment to creating safer workplaces. Their approach makes their training impactful and memorable. 2. WorkSafe-Approved As a WorkSafe-approved provider , BeSafe Victoria ensures their courses meet the highest standards. Their Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training courses include 5 Day HSR Initial OHS Training and 1 Day HSR Refresher OHS Training Courses. This stamp of approval ensures participants receive credible and up-to-date training, with the added benefit of BeSafe’s passionate delivery and follow-up support. 3. Regional Reach with Local Expertise Although headquartered in Ballarat, BeSafe Victoria’s impact extends far beyond. Their experienced trainers are available to deliver courses across all regional areas of Victoria, ensuring that even remote workplaces have access to top-tier safety education. BeSafe have booked courses in Morwell, Shepparton, Wodonga, Ararat, Portland, Traralgon, Bendigo and more. This regional focus makes them an invaluable resource throughout the state – booking courses anywhere there is a demand – just get in touch. BeSafe is passional about bringing OHS training to where it is needed most – in Regional Victoria. 4. Ongoing Suppor t Beyond Training Their commitment doesn’t end with training - BeSafe is committed to providing ongoing support. BeSafe offers free follow-up support and assistance to help their network of participants after they finish training and are working to resolve safety issues in their workplace. 5. Leaders training for Every Workplace BeSafe knows that being a great leader means understanding your OHS obligations. They also understand that many managers and supervisors don’t feel confident that they have enough OHS knowledge. That’s why BeSafe have developed a Leaders Introduction to OHS Course – to help managers and supervisors develop their OHS Leadership skills and understanding. Safety Starts with BeSafe Victoria In a world where workplace safety can mean the difference between life and death, choosing the right training provider is crucial. BeSafe Victoria’s passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence make them the clear choice for Regional Victorians. Ready to take the first step toward a safer workplace? BeSafe Victoria is here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch at: HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria

List of Victoria's Biggest OHS Offenders

By admin • July 14, 2025
An updated list has been published of The ‘BIGGEST BIGGEST OFFENDERS’ in OHS Crimes . This list names and shames the companies which have been deemed worthy of the largest fines handed down by judges for offences under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 . It makes an interesting, albeit sobering, read. The list (see below) has been compiled and published by the OHSIntros BLOG and has recently been updated with offenders from the last 2 years. In the last 35 years, according to OHSIntros ’ records, there have been 31 cases which have incurred a fine over $500,000. These companies have been collectively responsible for the deaths of 23 workers and a number of other serious incidents. 21 of these incidents involved plant, thus representing the majority of the cases. The incidents are all horrific, with many involving crushing, entrapment and falls – leading to violent deaths and horrendous injuries. The top fine was a penalty of $3 million, as a result of LH Holdings Management Pty Ltd being charged under Workplace Manslaughter Legislation and fined in 2024. A number of high-profile cases can be seen on this list. However, there are many well known cases which are not featured here, due to the fact that their sentences did not hit the $500K threshold. This perhaps raises concerns relating to The Sentencing of OHS Offences in Victoria . The list is a sobering one, listing a series of gruesome and tragic deaths – the result of safety crimes. In the words of OHSIntros’ – these are “the worst of crimes because [they] could have been prevented.” Image sourced from OHSIntros BLOG: https://www.facebook.com/100064446622188/posts/1127076076117269/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v *OHS Intros is a Workplace Safety page which provides ‘training, documentation and advice on Workplace Safety’: Facebook