Independent review of Victoria’s dangerous goods laws
10th October 2022
The Victorian Government has released its response to the Independent Review of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and associated regulations (the Review) conducted by Mr Andrew Palmer KC.
The Review's final report is now public.
The Review was part of the Victorian Government’s response to high profile incidents associated with illegal chemical stockpiling at several sites across Melbourne.
The Review makes 49 recommendations aimed at modernising, streamlining and enhancing the regulatory framework to be more risk-based and prevention focussed.
The recommendations are the result of extensive consultation and a rigorous assessment of the relevant legislation and regulatory framework to determine if these are appropriate for the safe management of dangerous goods in Victoria.
The Victorian Government has considered these and:
- supports in full 22 recommendations
- supports in principle 15 recommendations
- requires further consideration for 11 recommendations
- notes one recommendation.
WorkSafe Victoria (WorkSafe) and the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) will work with Victorian and Commonwealth departments and agencies to further assess the recommendations requiring further review or are supported in principle.
The Victorian Government Response objective
The Victorian Government Response supports key recommendations which address identified areas of concern, the current limitations of Victoria’s dangerous goods regulatory framework, and provide a pathway to reform the regulation of dangerous goods in Victoria.
Implementation of the recommendations aim to:
- modernise the dangerous goods regulatory framework to improve duty holder compliance
- remove factors contributing to non-compliance and illegal activity by strengthening regulation and regulatory oversight
- give WorkSafe the regulatory tools it needs to support and improve duty holder compliance
- improve navigation of dangerous goods legislation through consistency with other regulatory frameworks
- substantially minimise the risks of further costly industrial fires as a result of the illegal stockpiling of dangerous goods.
WorkSafe and DJCS will lead the implementation of the recommendations in line with the Victorian Government Response.
Further information
- Information about the Independent Review of Victoria’s dangerous goods laws
- Final Report for the Independent Review of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and associated regulations
- Victorian Government Response
For more information download this document
