Victoria set to implement new regulations for safeguarding workers' mental well-being

The Victorian Government has announced it will implement new regulations by year-end that enhance the management of psychosocial hazards, acknowledging their significance alongside physical hazards, and establishing new responsibilities for employers to recognise and mitigate these risks in their work environments.

The state Government says these changes are a direct response to the suggestions put forth by the Boland Review, the Royal Commission investigating Victoria’s Mental Health System, and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health.

Their objective is to enhance workplace health and safety legislation to more effectively tackle mental health issues and to ensure alignment with regulations implemented in other Australian states and territories.

The government projects the regulations will be enacted in October, becoming effective on December 1 of this year.

A Compliance Code will be created to direct employers in meeting their duties in accordance with the proposed rules.

Further information is available here.