Australia’s workplace health and safety reporting framework is set for its biggest overhaul in more than a decade, in light of proposed amendments to the Model WHS Act.
The changes, sought by Safe Work Australia and released in December 2025, will significantly expand what transport and logistics businesses must report to regulators, said MAEZ Director and Principal Consultant, Matt Wragg, thus introducing the new concept of a ‘relevant occurrence’.
Under the amendments sought, that term will replace the existing ‘notifiable incident’.
“The scope of reporting has broadened considerably,” said Wragg. “It now captures not just serious physical injuries, but extended absences, violent incidents linked to psychological harm, and certain suicides or attempted suicides.”
Under the amendments, violent incidents that expose workers to serious psychological risk, including threats, assaults and sexual harassment, will become notifiable even where no physical injury occurs.
Wragg noted this has clear implications for the transport sector, where drivers may experience road rage, delivery point confrontations or abuse while working alone.
The definition of serious injury and dangerous incidents has also been expanded, with mobile plant incidents now explicitly included – a category that encompasses heavy vehicles, forklifts and remotely operated equipment commonly used across freight and logistics operations.
A further addition is the requirement to notify regulators when a worker is absent for 15 or more consecutive days due to a work-related physical or psychological injury, even if the absence is anticipated rather than confirmed.
“These changes reflect an increasing regulatory focus on psychosocial hazards and mental health,” said Wragg.
“Transport operators should begin reviewing their incident reporting systems now, rather than waiting for state-based adoption.”
While the amendments to the Model WHS Act are not yet law, states and territories are expected to progressively implement the changes over the next 12 to 24 months. Victoria, which operates under its own WHS framework, is excluded.
Wragg said businesses with strong Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and WHS integration would be best positioned to manage the transition.
Xtreme Freight Director, Amanda O’Brien, said the proposed changes would add to mounting pressures already facing the transport and logistics sector.
“At the start of 2026, many operators are already under significant strain,” said O’Brien.
“Margins are tightening as costs continue to rise faster than rates, labour shortages persist and businesses face increasing customer expectations alongside growing compliance and administrative demands.”
She said further reporting obligations and regulatory complexity would not land in isolation.
“No one in this industry questions the importance of workplace safety – it’s fundamental to how we operate. But these reforms land in real businesses with real people who are already stretched trying to keep freight moving every day,” said O’Brien.
O’Brien said while reform may be necessary, implementation would need to be practical and nationally consistent.
“What the sector needs is clear guidance, realistic timeframes and genuine consultation,” she said. “Preparation will be critical as these changes roll out, and resilience will continue to be essential for transport operators across Australia.”
In other news, the VTA has opened registrations for its annual conference in March.
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