Independent Review of Employee Representatives

Overview

Led by barrister Mr Eugene White, the Independent Review of Employee Representatives considered whether the powers, functions and support provided to authorised representatives of registered employee organisations (ARREOs) and health and safety representatives (HSRs) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) remain effective and fit-for-purpose to deliver improved health and safety outcomes for all workers.

Following extensive stakeholder consultation, Mr White delivered his Final Report and findings to the Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC in April 2026 with 17 recommendations for the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government has introduced the Workplace Legislation Amendment (Accident Compensation and Other Matters) Bill 2026 to Parliament to implement seven of the recommendations, with consideration of further reforms to follow as a second phase. A copy of the Bill is available on the Victorian Legislation website.

Independent Review and Victorian Government Response

The Independent Review was conducted in two stages. In August 2025, the Independent Reviewer released a consultation paper, which formed the basis for targeted engagement with stakeholders. The Independent Reviewer then provided an interim report to the Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC in December 2025, which was released publicly in January 2026.

The Final Report was delivered to the Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC in April 2026 and made 17 recommendations for the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government supports 16 of the report’s 17 recommendations, either in full, in-principle or in part, and is introducing initial amendments to the OHS Act through the Workplace Legislation Amendment (Accident Compensation and Other Matters) Bill 2026 to implement seven of the report’s recommendations either in full or in part. These changes acquit recommendations 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14 and 15 either in full or in part.

The amendments will equip employee representatives with better tools to ensure worker safety while introducing stronger safeguards to prevent misuse of their powers.

The Victorian Government is conducting further analysis to implement the remaining supported recommendations.

The Independent Review’s Final Report and the Victorian Government’s Response are available below.