Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment (Workplace Protections) Bill 2025
June 2025: Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment (Workplace Protections) Bill 2025 was passed by the NSW Parliament on 27 June 2025, this legislation introduces significant reforms including compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) Codes of Practice, expands union rights to initiate WHS prosecutions and exercise right of entry, establishes new anti-bullying and sexual harassment jurisdiction within the NSW Industrial Relations Commission for workers not covered by the Fair Work Act and enhances powers for the Commission to address WHS matters.
This is described as the biggest increase in working rights in over 30 years. Key components include: gender equity and safer workplaces in public sector and local government; enforceable safety rights; stronger powers to deal with workplace bullying & harassment; ability to dispute unsafe return to work; more accountability for safety regulators.