12 . Ministers noted that significant work has been undertaken at the national and jurisdictional level to improve the prevention , investigation and prosecution of workplace deaths , and support for families following a workplace death , including :
a . The development by Safe Work Australia of National Principles to support families following an industrial death ( National Principles ).
b . Amendments to the model WHS Act to :
i . provide for an industrial manslaughter offence , with a majority of jurisdictions introducing or planning to introduce the offence
ii . include an alternative fault element of gross negligence in the Category 1 offence , and
iii . provide greater transparency about investigations into serious workplace incidents .
c . The establishment of a national repository on WHS prosecutions .
13 . Ministers noted that there is an opportunity to learn from the different approaches adopted by jurisdictions , such as implementation of the National Principles , as well as considering how national WHS policy is informed by the lived experience of families who have lost loved ones following a workplace fatality and workers who have suffered from a serious workplace injury .
14 . To inform future discussion on this issue in 2024 , Ministers asked Safe Work Australia to undertake a stocktake of jurisdictional initiatives and reforms to improve the framework for investigating and prosecuting workplace deaths and serious injuries , and support for workers and families following a workplace fatality or serious injury . Ministers asked Safe Work Australia to provide advice by the end of April 2024 on what more could be done , with advice informed by consultation with affected workers and families .
Safe Work Australia
15 . Ministers acknowledged and thanked Ms Michelle Baxter PSM , whose term as Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia ends on 31 October 2023 . Ms Baxter has held the role since 2013 .
16 . Ministers welcomed the appointment of Ms Marie Boland as the new Chief Executive Officer of Safe Work Australia . Ms Boland ’ s five-year term will begin on 1 November 2023 .