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SWMS by Australian state and territory.

A Safe Work Method Statement written for Queensland is not the same as one written for Victoria. The regulator, legislation, terminology, and codes of practice all differ. Select your state below for jurisdiction-specific SWMS information and a compliant draft in under 60 seconds.

Why your state matters for SWMS

Legislation differs

Victoria uses the OHS Act 2004, not the harmonised WHS Act. Western Australia only harmonised in 2022. Each state's SWMS must reference the correct Act and Regulations.

Terminology varies

Harmonised states use “PCBU”. Victoria uses “employer”. NSW references change from 1 July 2026 when codes of practice become enforceable duties under s26A.

Regulators differ

WHSQ, SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, WorkSafe WA, SafeWork SA, WorkSafe Tasmania, NT WorkSafe, WorkSafe ACT. Each regulator publishes its own codes of practice and enforcement priorities.

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