Dangerous goods reform

Overview

New legislation to modernise and strengthen Victoria’s dangerous goods laws is currently being considered by Parliament.

The legislation, consisting of two Bills, is proposed to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) to include regulation of the handling of dangerous goods and create a new Act, the Dangerous Goods Transport Act, for the transport of dangerous goods by road or rail and by vessel on inland water.

If this legislation becomes law, the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 will be repealed when it commences. The associated dangerous goods regulations will be reviewed and made under the OHS Act or under the new Dangerous Goods Transport Act.

It is anticipated that the new legislation will commence in April 2028 to give duty holders and industry enough time to implement changes.

Proposed changes

The legislation will:

• align dangerous goods laws with other regulatory frameworks
• deliver important safety benefits to the Victorian community
• support industry and businesses to meet their obligations
• strengthen WorkSafe’s ability to enforce compliance with dangerous goods laws.

Further information about the changes will be provided if the legislation becomes law. The proposed legislation can also be viewed from the links above.

Background

The change to dangerous goods laws follows recommendations from the Independent Review of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and associated regulations (the Review) and the Government’s response to those recommendations.

The Review was commissioned in 2020 following high-profile incidents associated with illegal chemical stockpiling at several sites across Melbourne. The Review’s final report delivered 49 recommendations of which the government supported 22 in full, 15 in principle, 11 required further consideration and one recommendation was noted. The new legislation addresses 24 recommendations.

Extensive consultation and engagement with the Victorian community, business, industry, key stakeholders and all levels of government helped inform the development of this new legislation.

Support

A range of communication activities will be undertaken to assist duty holders, stakeholders and impacted individuals to implement the changes if the proposed legislation becomes law.

Updates

This page will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. You can also register to receive the latest information about the proposed legislation.

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