Audit background

SafeWork NSW is the workplace health and safety regulator for all NSW workplaces except for mining and petroleum sites. It is responsible for the administration of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Explosives Act 2003, and some of the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008. 

SafeWork NSW was established on 1 September 2015 as one of three entities that replaced WorkCover NSW. SafeWork NSW is not responsible for the administration of insurance schemes or workers compensation, which are the responsibilities of the State Insurance Regulation Authority and iCare.

Audit objective

This audit will examine the effectiveness of SafeWork NSW in monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 by answering the following questions: 

• Does SafeWork NSW have evidence-based processes to set its objectives and priorities for monitoring and enforcing compliance?
• How effectively does SafeWork NSW measure and report its performance in monitoring and enforcing compliance against the WHS Act?
• Are SafeWork NSW’s policies and procedures for monitoring and enforcing compliance applied consistently across different sectors?

SafeWork NSW is located in the Better Regulation Division of the Department of Customer Service.

Estimated tabling period

February 2024

Agency audited

Department of Customer Service