Activity details
Implementing the amendments to the model work health and safety regulations published by Safe Work Australia to provide clarity about how businesses are required to proactively manage psychosocial hazards, including sexual harassment. The Commonwealth amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 came into effect on 1 April 2023.
This activity is part of a broader activity to create safer, respectful, and more equitable workplaces across Australia by providing $42.5 million to fully implement all 55 recommendations of the Respect@Work report.
Implementation progress update
The Commonwealth Code of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards at work adopts the 2022 Safe Work Australia (SWA) model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work (SWA 2022 Code) with amendments to ensure its effective operation in the Commonwealth jurisdiction. The SWA 2022 Code commenced on 2 November 2024 and provides practical guidance to persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on how to identify and manage psychosocial hazards at work in the Commonwealth jurisdiction. A copy of the code is available at Work Health and Safety (Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work) Code of Practice 2024 - Federal Register of Legislation.
For more information and to view the SWA 2022 Code see Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work | Safe Work Australia.
The Commonwealth Code on Sexual and Gender-based Harassment implements the 2023 SWA model Code of Practice: Sexual and Gender-based Harassment (SWA 2023 Code). This commenced in the Commonwealth jurisdiction on 8 March 2025. The new 2023 SWA Code provides practical guidance to PCBUs about how to manage health and safety risks arising from sexual and gender-based harassment at work. A copy of the code is available at Work Health and Safety (Sexual and Gender-based Harassment) Code of Practice 2025 - Federal Register of Legislation.
For more information and to view the 2023 SWA Code see Model Code of Practice: Sexual and gender-based harassment | Safe Work Australia.
More information
- Learn about the National Plan to End Violence against women and children 2022-2032.
- Read the First Action Plan 2023-2027.
- Browse the First Action Plan 2023-2027 Activities Addendum update.