Public input sought on crane licensing

Public Input Sought on Crane Licensing

Safe Work Australia is seeking public input on crane licensing to identify areas within the high risk work (HRW) framework that need improvement. The agency wants to hear directly from those who work with cranes on a daily basis, from operators to regulators, before any changes are finalised.

A discussion paper has been released for a six-week consultation period, running until Thursday, 16 June. Feedback gathered during this window will help shape how construction businesses, workers and regulators approach crane licensing moving forward.

Who Should Get Involved

Safe Work Australia said: "We invite all stakeholders with an interest in the high risk work licensing framework to provide their views, such as businesses operating, supplying or manufacturing cranes, unions, workers, regulators, industry bodies, government departments and members of the public."

The consultation isn't limited to crane operators alone. Submissions are also encouraged from professionals involved in related HRW activities, particularly dogging and rigging work, since these roles often intersect with crane use on construction sites.

Why This Consultation Matters for Safety

Crane licensing sits at the heart of workplace safety across construction, manufacturing and other high-risk industries. Getting the framework right protects workers, reduces incident rates and gives businesses clearer guidance on compliance obligations.

For safety professionals managing crane operations, this consultation offers a rare chance to influence how licensing requirements evolve. Input from those with hands-on experience helps ensure any updates reflect real-world construction and industrial conditions rather than theoretical scenarios.

Businesses reviewing their own safety documentation may find it useful to revisit our crane management plans alongside this consultation, as licensing outcomes could influence future compliance requirements.

How to Have Your Say

• Review the discussion paper published by Safe Work Australia
• Consider how proposed changes might affect your construction or industrial operations
• Submit feedback before the consultation closes on 16 June
• Encourage colleagues involved in dogging, rigging or crane work to contribute

Read the full story on the Safe Work Australia website.

Supporting Safe Crane Operations

While this consultation unfolds, maintaining robust safety practices remains essential for any business operating cranes. Our standard operating procedures for crane lifting provide practical information for teams looking to strengthen day-to-day operational safety.

Businesses in construction and related sectors can also review task-specific documentation, such as our Franna crane loading and unloading SWMS, to support compliance while awaiting outcomes from this licensing review.

For further context on related regulatory activity, see our coverage of the public comments sought on proposed psychological health regulations and the NHVR's public feedback request on crane industry codes of practice, both of which reflect a broader push toward strengthening safety standards across construction and transport industries.