The Power to Prevent Coalition has made a formal submission to Safe Work Australia’s Best Practice Review of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws and regulations. The statement calls for stronger WHS protections to address work-related violence, including gendered violence, sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying, recognising these as serious psychosocial hazards that disproportionately affect women and marginalised workers. It recommends regulation of work-related gendered violence, a clear risk management approach (beyond training alone), recognition of discrimination as a psychosocial hazard, and a requirement for employers to develop written prevention plans in consultation with workers and unions. These reforms would align WHS laws with Australia’s national prevention frameworks and international obligations, and position Australia as a leader in preventing gender-based violence at work
