Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard has revealed sweeping changes to the nation’s “absurd” mix of workers’ compensation laws.

Speaking at an Allianz Australia seminar in Sydney last week, she said the Federal Government plans to roll out model laws for uniform occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation by the end of 2011.

The 10 state, territory and national systems and 400 OHS regulations in place across Australia are “not only absurd” but are “confusing, time-consuming and expensive”, Ms Gillard said.

The model laws will see employers obligated to provide a safe workplace, substantially increased penalties, the ability for people to appeal to the High Court, and regulators able to share evidence across multiple jurisdictions.

“It has been obvious for decades that for the economy at large, national consistency in OHS laws has the potential to deliver reduced costs,” Ms Gillard said.

“At a time when businesses are trying to weather the effects of the global recession, [the OHS regulations are] an inexcusable waste of scarce resources.”