Safe Work Australia is a tripartite body with the following members:
- an independent chair
- members representing the Commonwealth and each state and territory
- members representing the interests of workers
- members representing the interests of employers, and
- the Chief Executive Officer.
Further information about Safe Work Australia Members can be found under Our Members.
Safe Work Australia was established by the Safe Work Australia Act 2008 with primary responsibility to lead the development of policy to improve work health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements across Australia. It performs its functions in accordance with Corporate plan and Operational plan agreed annually by the Select Council on Workplace Relations.
Safe Work Australia began operating as an independent Australian Government statutory agency on 1 November 2009. It is jointly funded by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments through an Intergovernmental Agreement.
As a national policy body Safe Work Australia does not regulate work health and safety laws. The Commonwealth, states and territories retain responsibility for regulating and enforcing work health and safety laws in their jurisdiction.
