SafeWork NSW Deploys 27 New Inspectors With Specialised Psychosocial Focus
SafeWork NSW has graduated 27 new inspectors, including five focused on psychosocial hazards, across Sydney and regional New South Wales.
The following is an abridgement of an article originally published by SafeWork NSW.
Inspectorate Expansion
SafeWork NSW announced the graduation of 27 new workplace inspectors, allocating 14 to metropolitan Sydney and 13 to regional New South Wales, including the Hunter, Central Coast, Riverina, South Coast, Illawarra, and Central West regions.
According to the regulator, this cohort brings total recruitment to 68 new inspectors since SafeWork NSW became a standalone agency on 1 July 2025.
Psychosocial Focus and Regulatory Priorities
The graduating cohort includes five inspectors dedicated to psychosocial risk management, carrying backgrounds in psychology, workers' compensation, and anti-bullying. The deployment is part of a broader four-year, $127.7 million NSW Government investment intended to add 51 inspectors overall, 20 of whom will specialise in psychosocial safety.
The state government is also establishing a Psychosocial Advisory Service to offer direct guidance to businesses and employees. SafeWork NSW noted that managing psychosocial hazards is among its top five regulatory priorities for 2026–27, alongside falls from heights, hazardous substances, and plant, vehicle, and machinery operations.
Official Statements
Minister for Work Health and Safety and Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis stated that psychological safety has become a central focus of workplace regulation:
"One of the most significant developments in work health and safety is the growing recognition that psychological harms are as damaging as physical harm. These additional 5 psychosocial focused inspectors will aid in our mission to prevent psychosocial hazards and ensure the psychological safety of workers."
SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer stated:
"SafeWork NSW inspectors play a critical role in protecting workers and preventing workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses across our state. Our graduating inspectors strengthen our frontline regulatory capability, ensuring SafeWork NSW remains well equipped to support workplaces through education, advice, compliance and enforcement activities."
