NSW WHS Changes

by | Jun 30, 2025 | Breaking News, Work Health & Safety

The Minns Government has announced significant NSW work health and safety (WHS) changes and investments aimed at enhancing workplace safety and compliance. These changes are emphasised by SafeWork NSW becoming an Independent Regulator, 51 new WHS inspectors (focus on NSW business compliance) and the launch of an Irreplaceable Safety campaign.

NSW WHS Changes

Following the 2025-26 Minns Labor Government Budget, key NSW WHS changes include

1. $127.7 Million Investment in SafeWork NSW

The 2025–26 NSW Budget allocates $127.7 million over four years to strengthen SafeWork NSW. This funding will:

  • Increase Inspectorate Capacity – recruit 51 new inspectors, including 20 focused on psychosocial hazards and five dedicated investigators, boosting total inspector numbers to 469—a 27% increase over two years
  • Establish a Psychosocial Advisory Service – a team of seven qualified staff will provide up to 25,000 consultations annually, offering expert support and escalating serious work health and safety breaches to specialised inspectors
  • Enhance Enforcement and Compliance – strengthen SafeWork NSW’s ability to enforce safety regulations, particularly concerning psychological health, and ensure employers meet their return-to-work obligations for injured workers

2. SafeWork NSW to Become an Independent Regulator

Effective 1 July 2025, SafeWork NSW will operate as a standalone regulator, separate from the NSW Department of Customer Service. This structural change aims to:

  • Restore Public Trust – by establishing independence, SafeWork NSW seeks to enhance its credibility and effectiveness in enforcing workplace safety standards
  • Improve Regulatory Oversight – a standalone structure will enable more focused and responsive regulation, particularly in addressing emerging workplace hazards

3. Launch of the ‘Irreplaceable’ Safety Campaign

A $2.9 million public awareness campaign titled ‘Irreplaceable‘ has been launched to highlight the importance of workplace safety. Key aspects include:

  • Emotional Appeal – emphasises that while employees are valuable at work, they are irreplaceable to their families and communities
  • Broad Outreach – the campaign will run across television, radio, and social media platforms, with materials tailored for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) audiences
  • Statistical Context – addresses the concerning statistic of an average of 52 work-related fatalities annually in NSW over the past three years

Implications for NSW Businesses

These initiatives signal a more rigorous approach to workplace safety enforcement in NSW.

NSW businesses should therefore:

  • Review and Update Safety Protocols – ensure compliance with enhanced regulations, particularly concerning psychosocial hazards
  • Engage with Advisory Services – utilise the new Psychosocial Advisory Service or other WHS specialists for guidance on best practices and compliance
  • Prepare for Increased Inspections – anticipate more frequent and comprehensive inspections by a larger, more specialised inspectorate

By proactively adapting to these changes, businesses can foster safer work environments and mitigate potential risks associated with non-compliance. At ABILITY GROUP, we know that businesses that invest in WHS and a safety-oriented workplace culture will help ensure compliance with the latest NSW WHS reforms.

Need Help?

Contact us to review or discuss your WHS.

Further Information

Source: NSW Government

Title: Irreplaceable: New SafeWork campaign and $127.7m Budget injection to further protect workers

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