Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia)
This Commercial Cleaning Contract (the “Agreement”) is made on [Agreement Date] between:
[Provider Name] (ABN [Provider ABN]), of [Provider Address], [Provider Suburb], [Provider State] [Provider Postcode] (the “Cleaning Provider”); and
[Client Name] (ABN [Client ABN]), Client contact: [Client Contact Name], Premises: [Premises Address] (the “Client”).
The Cleaning Provider and the Client are referred to collectively as the “Parties”.
BACKGROUND
A. The Client wishes to engage the Cleaning Provider to perform commercial cleaning services at the Premises on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.
B. The Cleaning Provider has agreed to provide those services in accordance with Australian industry standards, Work Health and Safety legislation, and the Australian Consumer Law.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
1. SCOPE OF CLEANING SERVICES
1.1 The Cleaning Provider agrees to perform the following commercial cleaning services at the Premises (the “Services”):
[Scope Description]
1.2 The Services will be performed [Service Frequency], at [Service Time], commencing [Commencement Date].
1.3 The following services are expressly excluded from this Agreement and may be arranged separately at additional cost:
[Exclusions]
1.4 Cleaning supplies and equipment: [Cleaning Supplies].
1.5 Any variation to the scope of Services must be agreed in writing by both Parties before the varied work commences. The Cleaning Provider is entitled to charge additional fees for work performed outside the agreed scope.
1.6 The Cleaning Provider will perform the Services with due care and skill, in a proper and professional manner, using appropriate products and methods for the type of surfaces and materials at the Premises. These obligations are consistent with the consumer guarantees implied by the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)).
2. FEES AND PAYMENT
2.1 In consideration of the performance of the Services, the Client must pay the Cleaning Provider $[Fee Amount] AUD per visit ([GST Treatment]).
2.2 The Cleaning Provider will issue a valid tax invoice [Invoicing Frequency] in accordance with the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth), including the Cleaning Provider’s ABN.
2.3 The Client must pay each invoice within [Payment Terms] days of the date of invoice by electronic funds transfer to the bank account nominated by the Cleaning Provider.
2.4 If the Client fails to pay any amount by the due date, the Cleaning Provider may charge interest on the overdue amount at 10% per annum, calculated daily from the due date. The Cleaning Provider may also suspend the Services on 48 hours’ written notice until all overdue amounts are paid, and any suspension period will not reduce the Client’s obligation to pay for services performed up to the date of suspension.
2.5 Fees may be increased annually by written notice of at least 30 days. Any increase will not exceed the greater of 5% or the change in the relevant All Groups CPI for the preceding 12 months.
3. WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY AND INSURANCE
3.1 The Cleaning Provider must comply with all applicable Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation in [Governing State], including the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) (or the applicable state or territory equivalent), and all associated regulations, codes of practice, and Safe Work Australia guidelines relevant to cleaning operations.
3.2 The Cleaning Provider must ensure that all personnel performing the Services are appropriately trained, hold any required licences or certificates, and are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the chemicals and methods used.
3.3 The Cleaning Provider must maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all cleaning chemicals used at the Premises, and must provide a copy of any SDS to the Client on request.
3.4 The Cleaning Provider must, at its own cost, maintain the following insurance policies throughout the term of this Agreement and must provide current certificates of currency to the Client upon request or within 7 days of renewal:
(a) Public liability insurance: minimum [Liability Insurance] per occurrence.
(b) Workers’ compensation insurance as required by law in the applicable state or territory.
(c) Professional indemnity insurance: minimum $1,000,000, if applicable to the scope of services.
3.5 The Client must ensure that the Premises are safe for the Cleaning Provider’s personnel to access and work in, must notify the Cleaning Provider of any known hazards, and must ensure the Cleaning Provider has adequate ventilation when performing cleaning tasks involving chemical products.
4. KEY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT
4.1 Access arrangements: [Key Management]
4.2 The Cleaning Provider acknowledges that keys, swipe cards, and alarm codes provided by the Client are provided in confidence and remain the property of the Client. The Cleaning Provider must keep all access credentials secure, must not duplicate, share, or photograph any key or access card, and is responsible for the cost of replacing any lost or damaged access credential.
4.3 The Cleaning Provider must ensure that all personnel who have access to the Premises are known to and vetted by the Cleaning Provider, and must notify the Client promptly if any personnel with access to the Premises leave the Cleaning Provider’s employment.
4.4 The Cleaning Provider must ensure that the Premises are secured (doors locked, windows closed, alarm set if applicable) at the conclusion of every service visit.
5. DAMAGE, LIABILITY, AND AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW
5.1 The Cleaning Provider must report any damage to the Premises or Client property caused during or in connection with the performance of the Services to the Client contact person as soon as practicable, and in any event within 24 hours of becoming aware of the damage.
5.2 Nothing in this Agreement excludes, restricts, or modifies any guarantee, right, or remedy implied by the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited. If the Client is a consumer under the Australian Consumer Law, the Services come with consumer guarantees that cannot be excluded.
5.3 Subject to clause 5.2 and to the extent permitted by law, the Cleaning Provider’s total liability to the Client arising under or in connection with this Agreement is limited to the total fees paid by the Client in the 3 months immediately preceding the event giving rise to liability.
5.4 Neither Party is liable to the other for any indirect, consequential, or pure economic loss arising under or in connection with this Agreement, including loss of profit or loss of business opportunity.
6. TERM AND TERMINATION
6.1 This Agreement commences on [Commencement Date] and continues on an ongoing basis until terminated in accordance with this clause.
6.2 Either Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience by giving [Notice Period] days’ written notice to the other Party.
6.3 Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice if the other Party: (a) commits a material breach of this Agreement and fails to remedy that breach within 7 days of receiving written notice specifying the breach; (b) becomes insolvent or enters voluntary administration; or (c) in the case of the Cleaning Provider, loses any required licence, insurance, or certification.
6.4 On termination, the Client must pay all fees for Services performed up to the effective date of termination, and the Cleaning Provider must promptly return all keys, access cards, and other property belonging to the Client.
7. GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.1 The Cleaning Provider is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, or partner of the Client. The Cleaning Provider is responsible for all tax, superannuation, and workers’ compensation obligations with respect to its own personnel.
7.2 The Cleaning Provider must keep confidential all information about the Client’s business, employees, and clients that it obtains in the course of performing the Services, and must handle any personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.
7.3 In the event of a dispute, the Parties must attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 14 days, either Party may refer the dispute to mediation administered by the Australian Disputes Centre.
7.4 This Agreement is governed by the law of [Governing State], Australia. The Parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Governing State].
7.5 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and may only be amended by written agreement signed by both Parties.
EXECUTED as a Contract.
CLEANING PROVIDER
Business name: [Provider Name]
ABN: [Provider ABN]
Address: [Provider Address], [Provider Suburb], [Provider State] [Provider Postcode]
CLIENT
Business name: [Client Name]
Premises: [Premises Address]
Contact person: [Client Contact Name]
Cleaning Provider
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Client
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia)?
A Commercial Cleaning Contract in Australia records the cleaning work to be provided, the fees, the service standards, and each party's obligations between the provider and the client. The agreement is governed by the common law of contract.
The legal framework governing commercial cleaning in Australia includes the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)), which implies mandatory consumer guarantees into all contracts for services supplied to consumers and small businesses; the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth), which governs the GST treatment of cleaning services and the tax invoice requirements for GST-registered suppliers; and the Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation applicable in each state and territory, which imposes duties on cleaning businesses as persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to confirm the health and safety of their workers and others at the premises where cleaning is performed.
Most states and territories have adopted the Model Work Health and Safety Act, which imposes primary duties of care requiring PCBUs to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. For commercial cleaning, this includes conducting risk assessments before commencing work at a new site, providing appropriate personal protective equipment, maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals used, and confirming cleaners are trained in safe manual handling and chemical use. Victoria operates under its own Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC), which imposes similar obligations.
The Cleaning Services Award 2020, made under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), sets minimum pay rates, loadings, and conditions for employees in the cleaning industry. While the Award applies to the employment relationship between the cleaning business and its workers — not to the contract with the client — compliance with Award rates affects the cleaning business's cost structure and pricing.
The legal framework governing the Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia) in Australia draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the Goods and Services Tax under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Courts of each state have jurisdiction over corporate disputes. Parties executing a Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia) in Australia should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia)?
A Commercial Cleaning Contract should be used for any ongoing or substantial commercial cleaning engagement in Australia. One-off domestic or light cleaning engagements may be covered by a simpler cleaning services contract, but commercial cleaning of business premises requires a more thorough agreement that addresses WHS compliance, insurance, key management, and GST.
You need a Commercial Cleaning Contract when: a business engages a cleaning company to perform regular cleaning of its offices, retail outlets, warehouses, factories, medical practices, or educational facilities; a body corporate or strata manager engages a cleaning provider for common area cleaning in an apartment building or commercial complex; a facility manager is responsible for maintaining multiple premises and enters into a single contract covering several sites; a cleaning business is tendering for commercial work and needs a standard form contract to provide to prospective clients; or a commercial landlord includes cleaning obligations in a lease and wants those obligations performed under a separate, detailed cleaning contract.
The contract protects both parties: the client gets a clearly defined scope that prevents billing disputes; the cleaning company gets clear terms for access, payment, and insurance requirements that protect it from liability for pre-existing damage and scope creep. A written contract also enables the client to verify the cleaning company's WHS compliance and insurance before granting access to potentially sensitive premises.
For medical and healthcare premises, defence facilities, childcare centres, and other sensitive environments, a commercial cleaning contract should also address background check requirements for cleaning staff, infection control protocols, and any sector-specific regulatory requirements.
Parties in Australia should prepare a Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the Goods and Services Tax under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Courts of each state have jurisdiction over corporate disputes. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia)
A thorough Australian Commercial Cleaning Contract should address the following key elements.
Detailed scope of services — List every task included in each service visit with specificity: rooms, surfaces, fixtures, and methods. Include a clear exclusions list to prevent disputes about what is and is not included. Specify whether periodic deep cleaning tasks (carpet shampooing, facade washing, high-level dusting) are included or priced separately.
Service frequency and timing — State the exact frequency of services and the preferred time window. Afterhours cleaning is common in commercial premises; the contract should specify access arrangements and obligations when cleaning is performed outside business hours.
Cleaning supplies and equipment — Specify who provides cleaning chemicals, equipment, mops, and consumables. If the client provides supplies, specify the storage location, restocking process, and responsibility for safe storage in accordance with WHS requirements.
Fees, GST, and payment — State the fee per visit or per month, the GST treatment, the invoicing schedule, and the payment terms. Commercial cleaning contracts typically invoice monthly in arrears. Include a late payment interest provision and a right to suspend services for persistent non-payment.
WHS compliance — Include provisions requiring the cleaning provider to comply with WHS legislation, maintain SDS for all chemicals, provide PPE, and conduct site risk assessments. Specify the client's obligation to provide a safe working environment and notify the cleaner of known hazards.
Insurance requirements — Require the cleaning provider to maintain public liability insurance at a specified minimum level (typically $10 million or $20 million) and workers' compensation insurance, and to produce current certificates of currency on request.
Key and access management — Document exactly what access credentials are provided, the security obligations attached to those credentials, and the return obligations on termination. This is a significant risk management issue for both parties.
Damage reporting — Specify the cleaning provider's obligation to report damage to the client's property as soon as practicable after it occurs. Include a process for assessing and allocating responsibility for damage.
Privacy — Address the cleaning provider's confidentiality obligations with respect to information observed or accessed in the course of cleaning the client's premises, including client documents, personnel matters, and personal information.
Term and termination — Specify the initial term, the notice period for termination for convenience, and the grounds for immediate termination, including loss of insurance or WHS non-compliance.
Additional compliance elements for a Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia) used in Australia include: Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the Goods and Services Tax under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The Federal Court of Australia and Supreme Courts of each state have jurisdiction over corporate disputes. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia) (Australia) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/australia/business/services/commercial-cleaning-contract-australia
"Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia) (Australia)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/australia/business/services/commercial-cleaning-contract-australia.
@misc{formslegal-commercial-cleaning-contract-australia,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Commercial Cleaning Contract (Australia) (Australia)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/australia/business/services/commercial-cleaning-contract-australia}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Common law of contract}
}Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial cleaning in Australia is subject to Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, which operates at both Commonwealth and state/territory level. The Model Work Health and Safety Act (as adopted in most states and territories, with the exception of Victoria which has its own Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004) imposes a primary duty of care on persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to requires the health and safety of workers and others affected by their work. For commercial cleaning, this includes: providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for exposure to chemicals; ensuring workers are trained in the safe use of cleaning chemicals and machinery; maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous substances used on site; managing risks associated with wet floors, working at heights (window cleaning), and manual handling; and conducting site-specific risk assessments before commencing work at a new premises. Cleaning businesses registered with Safe Work Australia's guidance should follow the Code of Practice for Managing the Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace.
Yes. Public liability insurance is essential for any commercial cleaning business operating in Australia. Commercial cleaners work in clients' premises and can cause significant property damage (for example, damaging flooring, furniture, or equipment through incorrect product use) or personal injury (for example, a wet floor causing a slip). Public liability insurance covers the cleaning business against claims by third parties — including clients and their employees — for property damage or personal injury caused by the cleaning business's negligence. The industry standard for commercial cleaning in Australia is $10 million to $20 million in public liability cover per occurrence. Many commercial clients, body corporate managers, and government contracts will refuse to engage a cleaning company that cannot produce a current certificate of currency. Workers' compensation insurance is also compulsory in all states and territories if the cleaning business employs staff.
Scope disputes are the most common source of conflict in commercial cleaning contracts. To prevent them, the scope section of a commercial cleaning contract should describe — in plain language — every task that is included in each service visit, the areas of the premises covered, the frequency of each task, and any periodic tasks (such as deep cleaning or carpet steam cleaning) that occur less frequently than the standard visit. The scope should also explicitly list exclusions: tasks and areas that are not covered. Common exclusions in commercial cleaning include exterior window cleaning above ground floor, clinical waste disposal, high-pressure washing, post-construction cleaning, and IT equipment cleaning. Both the cleaning provider and the client should review and sign off on the scope before the contract commences, ideally following a site inspection.
Key and access management is a significant security and liability issue in commercial cleaning. The contract should specify: exactly what access credentials are provided (keys, swipe cards, alarm codes); how many sets are provided and to whom; that keys must not be copied or shared; who is responsible for the cost of replacing lost or stolen credentials; the process for notifying the client when a cleaner with access to the premises leaves the cleaning company; and the obligation to secure the premises (lock all entry points, set the alarm) at the end of each service visit. It is also good practice for the client to keep a register of which cleaning personnel have been issued access, and to conduct periodic security audits. Under Australia law, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Commercial cleaning services are taxable supplies under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) and attract GST at 10% where the cleaning business is registered for GST. Registration is compulsory if annual GST turnover is $75,000 or more. GST-registered cleaning businesses must issue valid tax invoices for supplies over $82.50 (including GST). A valid tax invoice must include: the supplier's ABN; the words 'tax invoice'; the date of issue; the name and address of the recipient; a description of the supply; the price and the GST amount (or a statement that the total price includes GST). Clients who are GST-registered can claim an input tax credit for the GST paid on commercial cleaning services. Under Australia law, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates companies and financial services. Section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 governs company execution of documents. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
Found an error? Let us knowRelated Documents
You may also find these documents useful:
Service Agreement (Australia)
Create a comprehensive Australian Service Agreement compliant with the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) and the common law of contract. Covers scope of services, GST-inclusive or exclusive fees, payment terms, consumer guarantees, intellectual property ownership, confidentiality, Privacy Act 1988 obligations, limitation of liability, and termination rights. Suitable for consultants, freelancers, agencies, and businesses providing services to other businesses or consumers across all Australian states and territories.
Cleaning Services Contract (Australia)
A professionally drafted Cleaning Services Contract for use across Australia protects both cleaning businesses and their clients by setting out the scope of work, payment terms, insurance requirements, and termination rights in a legally sound document. Whether you are a residential cleaner, commercial cleaning company, or end-of-lease specialist, a written contract reduces disputes and ensures both parties understand their obligations from the outset. In Australia, cleaning service agreements are subject to the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which forms Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The ACL implies mandatory consumer guarantees into all contracts for services supplied to consumers, including that services will be performed with due care and skill, within a reasonable time if no time is specified, and that any materials supplied in connection with the services will be of acceptable quality. These guarantees cannot be excluded by contract, so your agreement must be consistent with them. If the cleaning business employs workers, the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and relevant Modern Awards — such as the Cleaning Services Award 2020 — may apply to the employment relationship. However, the Cleaning Services Award applies to the employment of workers, not to the contract between the cleaning business and its clients. The contract between the provider and client is governed by contract law and the ACL. For GST purposes, cleaning businesses registered for GST must include GST in their pricing and issue valid tax invoices under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth). Cleaning services are generally taxable supplies and attract 10% GST. Tax invoices must clearly state the GST amount or state that the total price includes GST. Public liability insurance is essential for any cleaning business operating in Australia. A minimum of $10 million public liability cover is widely regarded as the industry standard, and many commercial clients will require evidence of current insurance before granting access to their premises. Some state and territory-based regulatory schemes and industry bodies may also specify minimum insurance levels. For residential cleaning, privacy considerations are significant because cleaners work inside clients' homes and may have access to personal property, private documents, and confidential information. The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and its Australian Privacy Principles apply to businesses with an annual turnover exceeding $3 million, but good practice demands that all cleaning businesses handle client information discreetly and securely regardless of turnover. End-of-lease and bond cleaning engagements may be subject to specific expectations under residential tenancy legislation in each state and territory. For example, in New South Wales, the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) governs bond deductions, and tenants and landlords may have specific requirements regarding the standard of cleaning required to recover a rental bond. A detailed scope of work and photographic evidence of completed work can protect both the cleaner and the client in these situations. This template is suitable for both one-time cleaning engagements and ongoing regular service arrangements across all Australian states and territories, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. The governing law clause allows parties to select the applicable jurisdiction. The dispute resolution clause directs parties to state consumer protection authorities — such as NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria, or equivalent bodies — as a first step, which is practical and cost-effective for resolving service disputes without litigation.
Subcontractor Agreement (Australia)
Create a legally compliant Subcontractor Agreement for the Australian building and construction industry. Covers Security of Payment Act rights, payment claims, adjudication, retention, defects liability, variations, WHS obligations, public liability and workers' compensation insurance. Suitable for all states and territories.
Liability Waiver (Australia)
Protect your business from liability for recreational activities under Australian law. Covers Australian Consumer Law (ACL) limitations on excluding liability, section 139A CCA 2010 recreational services exception, voluntary assumption of risk, Civil Liability Acts (state-specific), contributory negligence, indemnity, and photo/media consent.
Workplace Health and Safety Policy (Australia)
An Australian Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Policy is a formal document in which an employer commits to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all workers and others affected by its activities. It sets out the organisation's WHS obligations under Australian law, defines the responsibilities of officers, managers, and workers, and establishes the systems and procedures the organisation will use to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls. The primary legislative framework governing WHS in Australia is the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) (the WHS Act) and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (Cth) (the WHS Regulation), developed by Safe Work Australia as model legislation. As of 2026, the model WHS Act has been adopted by the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania. Victoria and Western Australia have separate but substantially similar legislation (the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) and the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)). The central obligation on employers is found in s 19 of the WHS Act. A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers engaged by or caused to be engaged by the PCBU, and the health and safety of workers whose activities in carrying out work are influenced or directed by the PCBU. The 'so far as is reasonably practicable' qualifier requires the PCBU to weigh the likelihood and severity of a risk against the availability and cost of measures to eliminate or minimise it. Under s 27 of the WHS Act, officers of a PCBU (including directors and senior managers) have a positive duty to exercise due diligence to ensure the organisation complies with its WHS obligations. This includes acquiring and keeping up-to-date knowledge of WHS matters, understanding the operations and associated risks of the business, ensuring the PCBU has appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise WHS risks, and verifying that those resources and processes are being used effectively. Workers also have duties under s 28 of the WHS Act. They must take reasonable care for their own health and safety, ensure their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the safety of others, comply with any reasonable WHS instruction given by the PCBU, and cooperate with any reasonable WHS policy or procedure. The WHS Regulation 2017 (Cth) supplements the WHS Act by providing detailed requirements for managing risks, including the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort. Employers are required to consult with workers when identifying hazards, assessing risks, and making decisions about controls under Part 5 of the WHS Act. Notifiable incidents — including workplace fatalities, serious injuries or illnesses, and dangerous incidents as defined in ss 35 to 37 of the WHS Act — must be reported immediately to the relevant state or territory WHS regulator. The incident scene must be preserved until an inspector attends or authorises disturbance under s 39 of the WHS Act. Having a documented WHS Policy is a fundamental element of any effective WHS management system. It demonstrates the organisation's commitment to health and safety at the highest level, provides a framework for establishing WHS objectives and responsibilities, and supports compliance with the WHS Act and WHS Regulation. Employers with five or more employees are required to record significant findings of risk assessments in writing under the WHS Regulation. This WHS Policy is suitable for businesses of all sizes across all industries operating in Australia and should be reviewed at least annually, or whenever there is a significant change to operations, personnel, or legislation.