Have your say: Reform of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) has commenced the consultation process for the reform of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 (OHS(MI) Act).
The Australian Government is considering reforms to harmonise the OHS(MI) Act and its subordinate legislation with the modern work health and safety laws that apply throughout Australia’s onshore jurisdictions. This is in response to longstanding concerns that the OHS(MI) framework does not reflect contemporary work health and safety standards and is not consistent with other regimes that apply in Australia.
The health and safety of Australian workers is a key priority for the Australian Government. The government works with the states and territories, unions and employers and their representatives to ensure that the right to a safe and healthy working environment is realised by all.
DEWR released the Reform of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993: Consultation Paper on 9 April 2026.
The consultation paper seeks feedback on how harmonisation of the OHS(MI) Act can be achieved, taking into account current and future maritime industry operations and trends.
Reform of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 - Consultation Paper.docx
Reform of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 - Consultation Paper.pdf
Submissions closed on 4 June 2026.