The ATS extends its congratulations to SafeWork NSW on the 2026 Tunnels and shafts in construction Code of Practice being approved and coming into effect in NSW. This modernised regulatory framework represents a step forward for our industry, a journey that began with the foundational 1991 Code of Practice developed with the ATS’s predecessor the Australian Underground Construction and Tunnelling Association (AUCTA). From those early guidelines to today’s rigorous standards the safety guidance has continued to evolve alongside emerging technology and construction practices.
We are incredibly proud to have been critically involved throughout the update process. As a core technical collaborator, the ATS worked closely with SafeWork NSW and other industry partners during the drafting and public consultation phases to ensure the new Code is comprehensive and practically applicable on-site. The ATS looks forward to continuing our work alongside regulators and contractors to champion best practice engineering and safety across all Australian tunnelling operations.
The WHS code of practice in now available on the SafeWork NSW website and directly via the following link:
