In a landmark move for workplace health and safety, the Victorian Government has announced new psychological health regulations set to take effect from 1 December 2025. These regulations, which have been four years in the making, will mandate written “prevention plans” for psychosocial hazards in Victorian workplaces, placing mental health on par with physical safety.
The Allan Labor Government’s initiative aims to strengthen how psychosocial hazards are managed, creating new obligations for employers to identify and control these risks. Psychosocial hazards include work-related factors such as bullying, sexual harassment, aggression, violence, and exposure to traumatic events.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Ben Carroll, emphasised the importance of these changes: “Every worker deserves a safe workplace – and that includes one that is psychologically safe. Psychosocial hazards and mental injuries impact wellbeing and productivity across our community and economy, and it makes sense to do everything we can to prevent them.”
The regulations respond to recommendations from several key reviews, including the Boland Review, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health. They align Victoria’s approach with other Australian states and territories, addressing the rising trend of work-related mental injuries.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, stated, “These changes send a clear message that employers must treat psychosocial hazards just as seriously as they do physical hazards, while also supporting them with the tools they need to create mentally healthy workplaces.”
To support implementation, a Compliance Code will guide employers on meeting their duties under the new regulations. Additional guidance will be provided on developing prevention plans to identify and manage psychosocial hazards effectively.
With work-related mental injuries representing 18% of all new WorkCover claims in 2023-24, up from 9% before 2009, these regulations are timely and crucial. They reflect a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the workplace and the need for comprehensive strategies to protect workers’ psychological well-being.
