Australia’s first ever amusement rides code of practice introduced in Queensland

Queensland has become the first Australian state to launch a dedicated safety code for amusement rides, marking a significant step forward in plant safety management across the events and attractions sector. The Office of Industrial Relations, Queensland has introduced Australia's first-ever code of practice for ensuring safety of amusement devices.

What Does the New Code Cover?

The Amusement Devices Code of Practice 2023 provides guidance to workplaces on how to control safety risks associated with amusement rides. This practical resource supports operators in meeting their plant management obligations under existing safety frameworks.

Key highlights of the code include:

• Practical steps for managing plant safety risks tied to amusement rides
• Guidance applicable to school fetes, regional shows, and major amusement parks
• A framework developed through consultation with industry stakeholders

Why Queensland Introduced This Code

The Office of Industrial Relations says the new code, which commenced on 1 February 2024, was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders. Its release reflects a broader push toward stronger plant management standards for temporary and permanent ride installations alike.

Chief Safety Engineer at the Office of Industrial Relations, Aaron Holman, said the code simplifies safety management for ride operators. According to Holman, robust management practices help operators anticipate hazards before an event begins rather than reacting once rides are already in use.

"It spells out practical steps for ride owners to ensure safety compliance whether the ride is for a local school fete, major amusement event, or a regional show," he said.

Supporting Consistent Plant Management Across Events

Consistent plant management is central to the new code's approach. Rather than treating each ride as an isolated piece of equipment, the code encourages operators to build management systems that address risks across an entire fleet of amusement rides.

This approach aligns with broader plant management principles seen in other Australian codes, such as those addressing managing risks of plant in the workplace. Strengthening management consistency across sectors helps reduce injury risks tied to poorly maintained or inadequately supervised equipment.

A Pattern of Codes Supporting Health and Safety

Queensland's amusement rides code follows a similar path to other first-of-their-kind codes introduced in the state, including Australia's first silica dust code of practice, which addressed health risks tied to airborne contaminants. Both codes demonstrate Queensland's willingness to lead national conversations around workplace health and plant safety before national model codes catch up.

For operators wanting deeper context on how model codes evolve nationally, Safe Work Australia's ongoing work — including its consultation on proposed model codes of practice and its new model code for elevating work platforms — offers useful comparison points for plant management approaches across jurisdictions.

Practical Steps for Ride Operators

Operators managing amusement rides at any event, whether a small community fundraiser or a major amusement park, should consider the following management priorities:

• Review current plant management procedures against the new code's requirements
• Ensure maintenance schedules reflect manufacturer specifications for each ride
• Document risk assessments specific to each event and ride configuration
• Provide staff training aligned with updated management expectations

Every ride presents unique risks depending on design, age, and usage patterns, so management plans should be tailored rather than generic. First aid readiness also remains a critical part of any event safety plan — resources such as a documented first aid policy and a well-stocked first aid kit support operators in responding quickly to incidents.

Where to Access the Code

The Amusement Devices Code of Practice 2023 is accessible here via the Queensland Government's official safety resources. Operators are encouraged to review the full document to understand specific management obligations relevant to their rides and events.