The VFF in collaboration with other employer organisations as part of the Victorian Congress of Employer Associations (VCEA), has successfully opposed a proposal to mandate compulsory Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) training for all managers and supervisors in Victorian workplaces. The proposal, heavily backed by unions for years, has been set aside in favour of a more practical and collaborative approach.
The VFF has consistently argued that while gaps in management’s knowledge of OH&S obligations exist, mandatory training is not the solution. Imposing blanket requirements would have placed an unnecessary burden on businesses, particularly in the agriculture sector, where operational dynamics and resource constraints differ significantly from other industries.
Through its membership of WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Stakeholder Reference Group, the VFF advocated for a targeted and industry-specific approach. The VCEA collectively recommended to WorkSafe that the focus should be on producing better guidance tailored to specific industries rather than imposing sweeping mandates. This led to an agreement that WorkSafe would develop enhanced guidance materials and potentially a Code of Compliance.
The VFF has always championed practical solutions that address genuine safety concerns without penalizing businesses. This collaborative effort will ensure better resources are available to help managers and supervisors fulfil their safety obligations without the burden of one-size-fits-all legislation.
The VFF remains committed to advocating for sensible, evidence-based approaches to workplace safety that balance the need for effective OH&S practices with the realities of running a business. For further information, members are encouraged to contact the VFF Policy Team.