Australia’s Evolving Framework for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work
Australia is emerging as a global leader in embedding psychological health into workplace safety frameworks. With mental health now recognised as a critical dimension of overall employee wellbeing, every Australian state and territory has begun to introduce, implement, and enforce psychosocial risk regulations. This national momentum reflects a shared commitment to ensuring workplaces are not just physically safe, but psychologically safe too.
National Framework & Regulatory Backbone
At the national level, Australia’s psychosocial risk management efforts are guided by two cornerstone documents:
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
- Model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work (2022)
Published by SafeWork Australia, the Model Code sets out practical steps for identifying, assessing, and controlling psychosocial hazards. It emphasizes the importance of safe work design and places a clear obligation on employers to create psychologically healthy work environments.
The Work Health and Safety Amendment Regulation 2022 further strengthened the federal framework by explicitly codifying the employer’s duty to manage psychosocial risks.
Understanding Psychosocial Hazards
Psychosocial hazards refer to aspects of work and workplace interactions that have the potential to cause psychological harm. Common examples include:
- Excessive workloads
- Lack of role clarity
- Bullying and harassment
- Inadequate support or leadership
- Exposure to traumatic events
Managing these risks is not just best practice—it is increasingly becoming a legal requirement across all Australian jurisdictions.
State & Territory Approaches
While Australia operates under a model WHS system, each state and territory tailors its own codes and guidance. Here's a breakdown of how different regions are implementing psychosocial regulations:
New South Wales
NSW led the nation by releasing the Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work (2021). SafeWork NSW provides detailed guidance, backed by:
These documents outline how to assess and manage bullying, stress, and other mental health risks.
Queensland
Queensland’s 2022 Code of Practice marks a significant step forward. Under the WHS Act 2011 (QLD) and Regulation 2011, employers are required to proactively manage psychosocial risks. Resources include:
- How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code (2021)
- Practical tools for fostering a positive workplace culture
Western Australia
Western Australia has made significant strides in recent years to address psychosocial risks in the workplace. In 2022, the Commission for Occupational Health and Safety published the Western Australian Code of Practice: Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace (2022) which aligns with:
The code defines the standard of care expected for psychological safety, underscoring the need for hazard identification and ongoing risk control.
Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria describes psychosocial hazards as being a risk to work-related stress. The Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (VIC) provides regulatory standards on managing workplace risks.
WorkSafe Victoria also provides resources and guidance to assist employers in managing psychosocial risks:
These resources offer detailed hazard overviews, defining psychosocial risk as a key contributor to workplace stress.
Tasmania
In January 2023, WorkSafe Tasmania released their Code of Practice on Managing the Risk of Psychosocial Hazards at Work. This code is considered a minimum standard for managing psychosocial risks in Tasmania and is designed to be used in conjunction with the existing legislation and guidelines.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (TAS), employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2022 (TAS) provides additional guidance on the requirements to identify and manage hazards that may pose a risk to employee health and wellbeing.
Supporting legislation includes:
Northern Territory
WorkSafe NT includes the identification and management of psychosocial hazards as a key element of work, health and safety regulatory requirements by an employer.
The NT applies the National Uniform Legislation framework:
WorkSafe NT emphasizes the need to address psychosocial factors as a core safety obligation.
South Australia
The Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace. SafeWork SA also provides resources and a checklist to assist employers:
SafeWork SA provides dedicated resources on managing psychological stress, including employer checklists and risk templates.
Australian Capital Territory
ACT launched a specific Strategy for Managing Work-Related Psychosocial Hazards (2021–2023). This initiative, aligned with:
These resources focus on proactive workplace mental health strategies through education, guidance, and inspections.
Global Context & Australia's Leadership
Australia’s regulatory evolution builds upon global precedents, including Canada's early leadership in 2015 and the publication of ISO 45003 in 2021—a global standard for managing psychosocial risks. Australia has adapted these principles locally, setting enforceable minimum standards across jurisdictions.
A New Era of Psychological Health & Safety
The widespread legislative and regulatory adoption across Australia signals a major shift in how workplaces are expected to operate. It's no longer sufficient to protect physical safety alone—employers must consider the full spectrum of health, including psychological wellbeing.
As each state and territory strengthens its frameworks, Australian workplaces are steadily becoming safer, healthier, and more supportive environments for everyone.
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