New Dangerous Goods Laws Passed in Victoria
04th August 2026
The Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Dangerous Goods) Bill 2026 and the Dangerous Goods Transport Bill 2026 have passed Parliament and received Royal Assent today, Tuesday 4 August 2026.
This new legislation:
- creates a new Dangerous Goods Transport Act 2026 (DG Transport Act) for the transport of dangerous goods by road or rail and by vessel on inland water
- amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) to include duties for the handling of dangerous goods, including the manufacture, storage, sale and use of dangerous goods
- modernises and strengthens Victoria’s dangerous goods laws
- updates existing elements of the OHS Act to align with the changes.
The amendments to the OHS Act and the new DG Transport Act are planned to commence in April 2028 to allow duty holders and industry time to prepare for the changes.
Until then, all existing obligations under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (DG Act) apply.
What these changes mean
The amendments to the OHS Act and the new DG Transport Act will improve safety outcomes for the Victorian community by better protecting people, property and the environment from risks associated with dangerous goods.
The changes also simplify the legislative framework, making it easier for duty holders to understand and comply with their obligations.
Next steps
In the lead up to 2028, all associated dangerous goods regulations will be reviewed and made under the OHS Act or the new DG Transport Act.
Work is also underway to review and remake the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) to incorporate the regulation of dangerous goods. The Victorian Government has committed to extending the OHS Regulations to April 2028 to ensure the new Acts and regulations commence at the same time.
Extensive stakeholder consultation will inform this work.
The DG Act will be repealed on commencement of amendments to the OHS Act and the new DG Transport Act. This means it will no longer be in force.
More information
Further information about the changes to Victoria’s dangerous goods legislation is available on WorkSafe’s website.
Copies of the legislation can be viewed and downloaded from the Victorian Legislation website:
Website: