Australia Model Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination 4.3a: 4.3 Establish work groups and negotiate within the Act's steps when a worker asks for an HSR

If a worker asks for a health and safety representative, one or more work groups must be established to facilitate the election, negotiated and agreed by the PCBU and workers. Negotiation determines the number and composition of work groups, the number of representatives and deputies, and the workplaces to which the groups apply, and a work group may span multiple businesses or workplaces by agreement. The PCBU must take all reasonable steps to commence negotiations within 14 days of the request, negotiate with a worker's representative such as a union official if asked, and notify workers of the outcome and the work groups as soon as practicable. If negotiation fails, any party may ask the regulator to appoint an inspector to assist and decide unresolved matters. Where representatives are elected they must always be included in consultation affecting their work group. Representatives are entitled to training.