Victoria is set to introduce new workplace regulations aimed at strengthening protections for workers’ mental health. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Psychological Health) 2025, announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll, will come into effect on 1 December.
The regulations place psychosocial hazards on an equal footing with physical hazards, requiring employers to identify and manage risks linked to mental health in the workplace. Psychosocial hazards include bullying, sexual harassment, aggression, exposure to violence, and contact with traumatic events or content, which continue to affect workers across the state.
Recent data from WorkSafe shows that claims for work-related mental injuries remain high. In 2024-25, 17 per cent of workplace injury claims were classified as mental injuries. Increasing community awareness and early reporting have helped workers access treatment sooner and return to work faster.
The changes follow recommendations from the Boland Review, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health. They also bring Victoria’s regulations in line with standards adopted in other Australian states and territories, reinforcing employers’ duty to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
WorkSafe has released a Compliance Code and supporting resources to assist employers in understanding their responsibilities. These resources include templates for prevention plans to help businesses outline steps for managing psychosocial risks.
The focus on psychological hazards will feature prominently during WorkSafe’s upcoming annual Health and Safety Month in October, which highlights the importance of workplace safety and wellbeing.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said: “No one should have to deal with behaviour like bullying, harassment or aggression on the job. These regulations ensure that employers are clear about what they need to do to provide a psychologically safe workplace.” He added: “With Health and Safety Month upon us, now is the time for employers to assess their systems and processes to ensure they are keeping their workers safe from both physical and psychological harm.”
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin emphasised the importance of addressing psychosocial hazards. “These laws make it clear that workplace psychosocial hazards are just as dangerous to workers as physical hazards and they must be managed appropriately to ensure a healthy and safe working environment,” he said. Jenkin added: “Employers must take every reasonable step to identify psychosocial hazards and control the risks – it’s the standard that all workers deserve.”
Luke Hilakari from the Victorian Trades Hall Council said workplaces with strong safety cultures and trained Health and Safety Representatives are best placed to foster mentally healthy environments. He said the new regulations will provide support to achieve that goal.
The introduction of these regulations marks a step towards recognising mental health as an essential component of workplace safety, encouraging employers across Victoria to take practical action to prevent harm and support the wellbeing of their staff.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
