The Council for the Australian Federation met on 13 October 2006 for its inaugural meeting to discuss significant areas of national interest.  The council comprises all state premiers and territory chief ministers and is chaired by the South Australian Premier, Mike Rann.

The council was created as a means of working together to improve the way that the states and territories deliver the many key services that affect Australians' daily lives – public education, health and hospital, police services and emergency management, urban and rural development, the environment, water, transportation infrastructure and services, and cultural and recreational amenities.

At the inaugural meeting, all states and territories signed an intergovernmental agreement committing to harmonisation of key areas of occupational health and safety (OHS) and workers compensation schemes, and developed proposals to harmonise the administration of these schemes.  By reducing costs and eliminating unnecessary administrative processes, harmonisation is an initiative designed to make it easier for workers and employers who conduct business across multiple states.

Harmonisation is a key priority for the NSW Government.  WorkCover NSW has been working with other jurisdictions to develop a nationally consistent approach to OHS and workers compensation while upholding safety standards.

Further information

  Intergovernmental agreement

    Occupational Health and Safety

  Workers Compensation

  FAQs