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Under the Work Health and Safety Act in Queensland, penalties for offences relating to breaches of health and safety duties have not increased since the WHS regime was introduced in 2012. For several years there has been ongoing debate regarding two key considerations with respect to the sentencing process for breaches of duties owed under the WHS Act.

In the August 2023, the High Court unanimously overturned the earlier decision of the Queensland Court of Appeal that had originally found an employer was vicariously liable for the wrongful act of an intoxicated employee who had urinated on a colleague sleeping in staff accommodation.

When it is appropriate to do so, a child who has criminally offended should be diverted away from the criminal justice system, unless the nature of the offence and the child’s criminal history indicate that a proceeding for the offence should be started.

In Queensland, if you are facing court ordered disqualification from driving, you may be eligible to apply for a work licence to allow you to continue to drive in the course of your employment.