Victoria has overhauled its dangerous good handling requirements – here's what you need to know
Aug 20
2 min read
In the most significant overhaul of dangerous goods handling and management in 40 years, Victoria's reforms aim to simplify compliance and strengthen the management across the state.
Under the reforms, dangerous goods handling will be regulated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, while a new Dangerous Goods Transport Act 2026 will govern the transport of dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterways.
While the legislation has now passed , the current Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and associated regulations will remain in place until April 2028, to allow businesses and organisations to plan and prepare for the transition.
What are the key changes?
The reforms introduce:
A new general duty for the safe handling of dangerous goods.
Greater emphasis on risk management and the hierarchy of controls.
Enhanced enforcement powers and compliance tools.
New transport-specific requirements under the Dangerous Goods Transport Act 2026.
Strengthened controls for explosives and high consequence dangerous goods.
What do businesses and organisations that handle dangerous goods need to do?
Although the new laws will not fully come into effecti until April 2028, businesses that manage or handle dangerous good should start preparing now by revieiwing existing:
Dangerous goods risk assessments
Storage and handling practices
Emergency preparedness and response plans
Signage, manifests and registers
Worker training and competency
Governance and due diligence arrangements
