What construction project value triggers a mandatory WHS management plan?

In NSW, Queensland, the ACT, NT, Tasmania and under the Commonwealth (Comcare) scheme, a construction project is construction work costing $250,000 or more, and the principal contractor must have a written WHS management plan before work starts. South Australia's threshold is different — SafeWork SA confirms $450,000, not $250,000. Victoria's and WA's thresholds aren't published from a source we could verify, so check WorkSafe Victoria or WorkSafe WA directly rather than assuming either matches $250,000.

Can a principal contractor transfer its WHS duty to a subcontractor?

No. Under ss16-17 of the model WHS Act, where more than one PCBU holds the same duty at the same time, the duty is concurrent — it cannot be transferred or contracted away, even in a subcontract clause. Each PCBU must discharge its duty to the extent it has the capacity to influence and control the matter, and duty holders who share a matter must consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with each other (s46).

What must a WHS management plan contain?

It must cover key personnel and their WHS responsibilities, site-specific information such as access, induction and fitness for work, the risk and incident management process, arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring and reviewing contractors' Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), and how PCBUs on site will consult, cooperate and coordinate.

Do I still need a SWMS if my project is under the threshold?

Yes, if the work itself is high risk. Eighteen types of high-risk construction work each require their own Safe Work Method Statement before work starts, regardless of total project value — that's separate from the dollar threshold for a full WHS management plan.

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Last verified: 26 July 2026

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

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