Australia’s workplace safety regulator will soon close a new round of public consultation on potential changes to crane licensing, signalling possible updates to how high-risk crane work is regulated nationwide.
 

Safe Work Australia (SWA) is seeking feedback on a draft impact analysis outlining seven proposed changes to the High Risk Work Licensing Framework under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.
 

The framework is designed to reduce injuries and fatalities by ensuring crane operators are appropriately trained, qualified and competent.
 

The latest consultation follows earlier public engagement processes conducted in 2022 and 2024, which helped inform the development of the current proposals. SWA Members have since considered broader reforms to the licensing system, leading to the release of the draft analysis.
 

Among the options under consideration are the introduction of new categories of crane licences and updates to requirements for existing licences. Further changes to crane licensing are expected to be examined through a separate process later in 2026.
 

Who should participate?
SWA is now calling for input from a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including workers, employers, business owners, manufacturers, suppliers, industry bodies, regulators, WHS professionals and academics.
 

The consultation is focused on gathering evidence about the potential costs and benefits of each proposed option, with submissions set to inform a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) to be considered by Work Health and Safety Ministers.
 

Stakeholders can provide feedback on all or selected proposals, depending on their relevance.

The consultation period will remain open until 11:59 pm (AEST) on Monday, May 4, 2026, with submissions to be made via SWA’s Consultation Hub.