The PsychProof Newsroom
Synthesized monitoring of psychosocial hazards, mental health legislation, and industrial relations law changes across all Australian jurisdictions.
NSW Updates
NSW Boosts Psychosocial Inspectors for Workplace Mental Health
The NSW Government has appointed 20 psychosocial inspectors as part of a SafeWork NSW expansion, enhancing enforcement, prevention, and workplace mental health outcomes. This initiative aims to strengthen the focus on psychosocial hazards and improve mental health outcomes in NSW workplaces.
Psychosocial Risk – Now We're All On Notice!
Comcare successfully prosecuted the Department of Defence for failing to manage psychosocial risks, and SafeWork NSW ordered two major organizations to pause their planned restructures after finding a 'serious and imminent risk' of psychological harm to employees. Employers must identify psychosocial hazards and implement controls, including completing a psychological safety risk assessment using a 4-step process.
NSW employers face fines for psychosocial harms under new SafeWork reforms
The NSW government is investing $127.7 million over four years to deploy specialised psychosocial inspectors. Under the new measures, SafeWork NSW inspectors will focus on preventing and addressing workplace mental health risks and will be able to issue on-the-spot fines to strengthen compliance.
Fair Work Commission rejects 'forced resignation' claim from practice manager
The Fair Work Commission dismissed a practice manager's claim of forced resignation, despite her allegations of unreasonable workload, pressure during sick leave, and retaliation after complaints, including a SafeWork NSW psychosocial hazard report. The Commission found that the employer had made documented supportive adjustments and maintained clear role communication, and reasonable contact during sick leave is not adverse action.
New South Wales expands safety laws for digital work systems
NSW has expanded safety laws to include digital work systems, requiring businesses to manage risks from AI, automation, and algorithms to prevent psychosocial and surveillance issues. This includes performing psychosocial risk reviews and ensuring human oversight.
NSW Regulates WHS Risks Arising from Digital Work Systems
The NSW Parliament passed the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025 (NSW) on February 12, 2026, making NSW the first state in Australia to regulate digital work systems in WHS laws. The bill introduces a primary duty of care to ensure workers' health and safety is not put at risk by digital work systems, which are defined as algorithms, artificial intelligence, automation, or online platforms.
AIHS Raises Concerns Over New Digital Safety Laws in NSW
The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) has raised concerns over new digital safety laws in NSW.
New South Wales WHS Regulatory Changes including Silica, Electrical Standards and Audiometric Testing
New South Wales has announced several significant WHS regulatory changes, including a Silica Worker Register (from 1 October 2025) for all high-risk silica work; updated WHS Regulation 2025, including new electrical standards; and mandatory audiometric testing (from 1 January 2026) for workers exposed to hazardous noise.
NSW: Mandatory Audiometric Testing for Workers Exposed to Hazardous Noise
New South Wales has announced mandatory audiometric testing from 1 January 2026 for workers exposed to hazardous noise, with testing required at three months and every two years thereafter.
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This information is general in nature and provided for awareness and documentation support only. It does not constitute legal, clinical, or professional advice. Regulatory obligations vary by jurisdiction and circumstances. Organisations should refer to relevant regulators or qualified professionals for advice specific to their situation.