Chemicals classified as "dangerous goods" are regulated by the Victorian WorkCover Authority (WorkCover) under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (Vic) ("DGA").

Dangerous goods include nine classes of substances and articles such as explosives and corrosives, classified in accordance with international standards. Certain carcinogens are regulated by virtue of an Order made by the Governor-in-Council and published in the Government Gazette (s.55). An interesting addition is the category of High Consequence Dangerous Goods (HCDG) related to terrorism and security concerns.

Radioactive substances and drugs are regulated by the Public Health Group of the Department of Human Services under the Health Act 1958 (Vic) and the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic). The handling of radioactive material by organisations that are "Commonwealth entities" or "Commonwealth contractors" must also be licensed under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (Cth) and the Regulations made under it.

Under the DGA, the manufacture, storage, transfer, transport, sale, purchase, and use of dangerous goods and the importation of explosives are controlled. The storage and transport of specified quantities of dangerous goods and the storage, transport, use, import, and manufacture of explosives require a licence (see: s.21 and Regulations). Licences contain conditions to ensure the safety of people and property (s.23).

The DGA requires a register of dangerous goods on site at licensed premises to be maintained (s.30). It also requires certain licensees, prescribed persons, and occupiers of premises to notify police and fire authorities of incidents involving dangerous goods (s.32).

The real mystery in Australian regulation of dangerous goods and radioactive substances is not the voluminous regulation of transportation and handling in great detail, citing international standards, but rather the blind spot of the law on how they are disposed of in simple landfills.

Local councils must be notified of the details of dangerous goods licences (s.29 DGA).

For some facilities, a risk assessment might need to be prepared. These assessments are used in planning to determine the need for safety-related buffer zones, which are incorporated into planning schemes. Quantitative risk assessments have been made in Victoria for facilities such as the Coode Island Chemical Storage Facility and the Altona Chemical Complex.

An inspector may require apparent occupiers or persons in charge of any premises (including vehicles) holding or storing dangerous goods to comply with a written direction which the inspector believes on reasonable grounds is necessary.

Licence applicants may be required to carry out investigations, including hazard-analysis and risk-evaluation studies and, if WorkCover is not satisfied by the standard, content or details of such studies, the applicant must bear the cost of further investigations by government appointed consultants. Licences may be suspended or revoked. An inspector may enter premises to inspect premises, take samples, seize dangerous goods, take photographs or other recordings and require the production of documents (s.17(1)).

The responsible Minister, an appointed inspector or a member of the police force can prosecute for offences under the DGA. It seems that charges can also be brought by private citizens (see United Transport Services Pty Ltd v Evans [1992] 1 VR 240, 250). Occupiers and people in charge of premises where dangerous goods are manufactured, stored and sold; owners or people in charge of vehicles or boats used to transport dangerous goods; and people using, handling or transferring dangerous goods are all under a general duty to take all reasonable precautions to avoid endangering the public (s.31).

Most offences under the DGA are summary and charges must be laid within 12 months of the suspected offence.

Offences of obstructing inspectors etc., are indictable offence and attract higher penalties under the DGA (s.19D): 300 penalty unit for a corporation. If there is intimidation or assault: 1200 penalty units for a corporation. If the corporation has had a previous conviction under the DGA, high additional penalties may be imposed (s.45A). According to the common law, a private person who prosecutes a criminal offence is entitled to any fine imposed by the court: High Court of Australia in Truth About Motorways v Macquarie [2000] HCA 11.