Robert Dwyer warns Digital Work Systems Bill will hurt regional jobs and businesses

Robert Dwyer warns Digital Work Systems Bill will hurt regional jobs and businesses

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has criticised the NSW Government’s Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025, warning it will impose new compliance burdens on regional employers, undermine innovation, and create uncertainty for businesses already under pressure.

Speaking in Parliament this afternoon, Mr Dwyer said, “This Bill has been rushed, poorly consulted on, and risks doing real damage to regional economies.”

“Everyone supports safe workplaces, but this legislation goes far beyond existing WHS laws and does so without national consistency or clear safeguards.”

“The Bill would introduce a new duty of care on businesses for risks arising from digital work systems, including automated rostering, algorithms, artificial intelligence and online platforms. It would also grant union permit holders access to inspect digital work systems, with key protections left to guidelines that have not yet been released.

“In regional areas, businesses use digital tools to manage rosters, track fatigue, improve safety and stay competitive,” Mr Dwyer said.

“This Bill tells them that using technology could expose them to new and vague legal risks, even though the national WHS model laws have not adopted these changes.”

Mr Dwyer said the lack of consultation with business and industry groups was deeply concerning, particularly for small and medium-sized regional employers who lack the resources to absorb new compliance costs.

“Regional businesses are already dealing with labour shortages, rising costs and complex regulation. This Bill adds another layer of uncertainty and it’s regional jobs that will pay the price.”

“Giving third-party access to digital systems that may contain personal data, customer information or intellectual property without knowing what the rules are is not responsible lawmaking,” Mr Dwyer said.

Work, health and safety laws are traditionally developed through the national model WHS framework to ensure consistency across jurisdictions. No changes of this kind have yet been recommended at the national level.

“If there are genuine gaps in the national WHS framework, they should be addressed through the proper national process with evidence, consultation and economic analysis,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Going it alone puts NSW out of step with the rest of the country and sends the wrong message to investors and employers, especially in regional communities.”