The Victorian HSR Conference

admin • April 7, 2026

Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) play a critical role in keeping Victorian workplaces safe, healthy and compliant. They are the frontline advocates for workers when it comes to identifying hazards, resolving safety issues and driving real change on the ground.


One of the most important opportunities available to HSRs each year is the Victorian HSR Conference, hosted by the Victorian Trades Hall Council and subject to approval by WorkSafe Victoria. Not only is this conference an invaluable learning and networking opportunity, HSRs have a legal entitlement to attend. For regional HSRs, including those in Ballarat and surrounding areas, the addition of Ballarat as a new satellite conference location makes this entitlement even more accessible.


HSRs Have a Legal Right to Attend the Victorian HSR Conference

Under Victorian occupational health and safety law, HSRs are entitled to attend approved training and education to support them in their role.

The annual Victorian HSR Conference is subject to approval by WorkSafe under section 69 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, which means:

  • HSRs are entitled to attend on paid time
  • Time spent attending is considered time at work
  • Employers cannot disadvantage an HSR for attending
  • HSRs must provide at least 14 days’ notice to their employer of their intention to attend (unless otherwise agreed)

This legal framework exists because the Victorian safety system recognises that trained, informed HSRs save lives, prevent injuries and improve workplace culture. WorkSafe emphasises that conferences and training approved under the Act are a vital part of enabling HSRs to effectively exercise their powers and functions.


Why Conferences Matter for HSRs

While formal HSR training provides foundations, the annual conference goes further. It brings together thousands of HSRs from across Victoria to focus on emerging risks, legal developments and practical strategies that can be taken straight back into workplaces.

The conference typically covers:

  • Emerging hazards
  • Updates on OHS law and enforcement
  • Real case studies from active HSRs
  • Skills sessions on consultation, issue resolution and enforcement powers
  • Opportunities to hear directly from safety experts, organisers and other HSRs


This year a Satellite Conference will be held in Ballarat

For HSRs based in Ballarat and regional Victoria, the Ballarat satellite conference offers all the benefits of the main event, without the barriers that often prevent regional workers from attending.

  • Easier Access, Less Travel - Travelling to Melbourne can be time‑consuming and costly for regional HSRs. Satellite conferences allow HSRs to attend closer to home, reducing travel fatigue and minimising time away from work and family.
  • Strong Regional Networking - The Ballarat satellite conference provides an opportunity to connect with other regional HSRs, share practical solutions relevant to local industries and build ongoing support networks that last well beyond the conference. Many HSRs report that these peer connections become one of the most valuable outcomes of attending.
  • Confidence to Use Your Powers- Conference sessions are designed to increase confidence in exercising powers lawfully, clarify employer obligations and reinforce that HSRs are legally protected when acting in good faith.
  • Bringing Safety Knowledge Back to Regional Workplaces - What HSRs learn at the conference doesn’t stay in the room. It flows back into Toolbox talk, Health and safety committee meetings, Risk assessments and issue resolution processes. By attending the Ballarat satellite conference, regional HSRs strengthen safety leadership across the entire local workforce.


The Victorian HSR Conference is more than an event – it is a legally supported investment in safer workplaces. For Ballarat and regional HSRs, the satellite conference ensures that geography is no barrier to knowledge, connection or confidence.


If you are an HSR:

  • You are entitled to attend
  • You should notify your employer early
  • You should seriously consider attending your local satellite conference


Strong HSRs mean safer workplaces. The Ballarat satellite conference is an opportunity to build that strength together.


If you want to put your name down to get more information on the conference please contact us at HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria

or you can book your spot by clicking on the following link and select Ballarat! We can't wait to see you there! 


Booking Link:

Tickets for VTHC HSR Conference 2026

Refresher courses available

By admin • October 19, 2026
At BeSafe Victoria, we offer four different HSR Refresher OHS Training Courses. All of them are WorkSafe approved courses. Here is what you can expect from the 4 topics… These WorkSafe-approved HSR refresher OHS training courses aim to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to raise, and contribute to the resolution of, health and safety issues arising from exposure to 4 different groups of hazards: Plant During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: The legislative framework and the role of HSRs Designated work groups and HSR powers Risk Management How to apply the risk management cycle to risks associated with Plant Issue resolution procedures Provisional Improvement Notices Psychological Health During this program you will refresh and update your knowledge by: Understanding psychological health Identifying psychosocial hazards Knowing legal duties Understanding HSR roles and powers Applying risk management processes Assessing psychosocial risks Controlling and reducing risks Resolving workplace issues Using prevention plans and supports Gendered violence During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: HSR rights and powers under the OHS Act Gendered violence definitions and workplace examples How to identify these hazards and risks in the workplace How to address work-related gendered violence as a health and safety issue Aggression or Violence During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: The risks associated with work-related aggression and violence How to identify, prevent and control these hazards The legislative framework, legal duties and requirements Understand HSR roles and powers Risk Management Incident Investigations Audience: Although HSRs are the primary audience, managers, supervisors, health and safety committee members and anyone with an interest in health and safety may also benefit from attending this course. NB: Under the OHS Act 2004 (section 67), all elected HSRs and deputy HSRs, after completing an initial course of training, have an entitlement for each year they hold office to attend a WorkSafe-approved HSR refresher OHS training course. An employer, if requested, must allow the HSR/Deputy HSR to attend on paid time, pay the cost of the course and any other associated costs. Section 67 also allows HSRs to choose the course, in consultation with their employer. Fees: $370pp + GST Enquiries: At BeSafe, we deliver training throughout Victoria. We so list our courses on our website, but we can also book in courses on demand in any location and we can even come and deliver a course on-site at your workplace. Just get in touch: 0467 002 060 info@besafevictoria.com.au www.besafevictoria.com.au HSR Training Courses | BeSafe | Regional Victoria

HSR Conference Program Announced!

By admin • October 6, 2026
We are excited that the program has been released for the 2026 HSR Conference! The event is held across the state, with the Melbourne presentations being live streamed to four regional centres. This includes Bendigo, Morwell, Wangaratta and Ballarat. BeSafe is super excited to be hosting the Ballarat event! The conference is on Tuesday 27 th October and will kick off at 8.30am and run through to 2.45pm. It’s completely free and catered for, but you must register to attend at: VTHC HSR Conference 2026 Don’t forget that HSR’s have an entitlement to attend this course, as it is WorkSafe Victoria approved under Section 69. Numbers are limited, so register as soon as possible so you don’t miss out!  Here is what to expect on the day: The Conference topic “Extreme Weather, Extreme Risk: The Future of Occupational Health and Safety”: How extreme weather is changing workplace health and safety, the new risks workers face, and how HSRs can use their rights and powers to prevent harm. The Program 7.45- 8.30am Arrive and register 8.30 – 10am SESSION 1 Opening speakers: VTHC Secretary Luke Hilakari, WorkSafe Minister Steve Dimopoulos MP and WorkSafe CEO Cathy Henderson Presentation: Extreme Heat: combined presentation between HSRs and Dr Andrew Ireland 10:00am - 10:30am Morning tea 10:30am - 11:15am SESSION 2 Presentation: Climate-driven natural disasters: combined presentation between HSRs and Dr Andrew Watkins Q&A 11:25am - 12:15pm BREAKOUT SESSION 1: Debrief and reflections 12:15pm – 1:15pm Lunch 1:15pm – 2:45pm BREAKOUT SESSION 2: Myth busters, problem solving and campaigns activities 2:45pm Conference evaluation and certificate collection For more information, take a look at: H&S Month 2026: Victorian HSR Conference | WorkSafe Victoria HSR conference 2026 - OHS Reps