UnionsACT WHS Conference 2025

UnionsACT WHS Conference 2025

Join UnionsACT this National Safe Work Month at our WHS Conference for 2025.  The conference features a variety of speakers and workshops designed to help build your knowledge and capacity for organising around WHS.

Throughout the day you’ll hear from fellow HSRs, Union Organisers and the Regulator, as they guide workshops and presentations to help you respond effectively to hazards at work. This conference is an incredible, free opportunity to make sure you have the skills to promote a healthier, safer workplace for you and your colleagues.  No matter what you do, safety matters. Every job, every day.

This year's Conference will feature:

Address from Unions ACT Secretary- Kasey Tomkins

Kasey Tomkins has been working in the union movement since 2011. Her commitment to working people drives everything she does. Across her career Kasey has campaigned for justice, pay and condition and improved WHS outcomes. We’re excited to welcome Kasey as she shares her experiences and priorities looking towards safer workplaces for all workers.

Address from WHS Commissioner- Jaqueline Agius

Work Health safety Commissioner Jaqueline Agius was appointed in 2020.  She will be joining us to speak on the importance of safety initiatives throughout every workplace. We are delighted to welcome the Commissioner to share her expert perspectives with us.

HSR panel featuring experienced Union HSRs.

HSRs experiences and perspectives are essential to shaping our understanding of WHS and ensuring the best outcomes for workers everywhere. This year we are joined by HSRs from the Community and Public Sector Union, National Tertiary Education Union, and Transport Workers Union who will share stories of their wins, challenges, and strategies. This is a great opportunity to pick up tips and tricks to use in your own workplace.

Session on Consultation.

Join UnionsACT Organiser Tom Ryan as he guides a workshop on Consultation.  This workshop will help you to ensure you are experiencing meaningful consultation as an HSR. Explore strategies for responding to tokenistic consultation and ensuring you’re in the room when WHS issues are being discussed at your workplace.

Meet the Regulator Forum with Matt Davis: Senior Director of Compliance and Enforcement at WorkSafe ACT

Senior Director of Compliance and Enforcement for WorkSafe ACT, Matt Davis will be leading a forum on the role of the regulator. He’ll be exploring opportunities available for HSR’s to engage with WorkSafe. This session should provide an opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding of WHS legislation in the ACT and how the regulator approaches compliance.

Using the Hierarchy of Controls for Psychosocial Hazards.

Often employers struggle to meaningful respond to the risks associated with psychosocial hazards.  This workshop helps broaden attendees understanding of how the Hierarchy of Controls can be used to achieve stronger psychosocial protections in the workplace.  Attendees are invited to consider potential solutions and promote higher order controls within their workplace.

And so much more!