Independent Review of Victoria’s Dangerous Goods Laws

The Victorian Government’s response to the illegal chemical stockpiling in Melbourne’s northern suburbs reached a significant milestone today, with the Government issuing its formal response to the comprehensive review of Victoria’s dangerous goods laws by Andrew Palmer KC.

Appointed in April 2020, Andrew Palmer KC delivered the Final Report for the Independent Review of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and associated regulations in January 2022.

Of the 49 recommendations:

which aim to modernise, streamline and enhance the regulatory framework to be more risk-based and prevention focussed.

The Victorian Government’s response indicated it

• Supports in full 22 recommendations

• Supports in principle 15 recommendations

• Requires further consideration for 11 recommendations

• Notes one recommendation.

The Final Report and the Victorian Government’s Response are available at Engage Victoria.

Whilst regulatory reform may be some time away, now is the time to enhance your site’s internal systems and oversight to ensure you’re appropriately managing risks posed by dangerous goods.

If you manufacture, store, transfer, use, handle, sell and/or dispose of dangerous goods, MicroRisk Group can assist you to understand your obligations under the regulations and ensure that your business is managing its risks to people, property and the environment. See our Services for more information.