Industrial Court

The Industrial Court was established on 8 November 2013 after an inquiry into workplace safety in the ACT’s construction sector.

On 28 November 2013 Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker was appointed for four years as the Industrial Court Magistrate. On 8 November 2017 Magistrate Glenn Theakston commenced as Industrial Magistrate until November 2021.

The Court has jurisdiction to deal with industrial or work safety matters as defined in s291Q of the Magistrates Court Act 1930. These include criminal and civil matters arising under the following Acts:

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011;
  • Workers Compensation Act 1951;
  • Scaffolding and Lifts Act 1912;
  • Dangerous Substances Act 2004;
  • Machinery Act 1949.

The Court also has jurisdiction to deal with related personal actions, including personal injury claims up to $250,000. Personal actions estimated to be worth more than $250,000 will be dealt with by the ACT Supreme Court.

The Court may transfer work safety matters to the ACT Supreme Court where:

  • one party applies to have a matter removed to the Supreme Court, and the Industrial Court considers it appropriate to do so;
  • the parties jointly apply to have a matter removed to the Supreme Court; or
  • the Court considers that the matter would be more appropriately dealt with in the Supreme Court.