Inspiring, educating and engaging Australian organisations in work health & safety excellence since 1927
The National Safety Council of Australia was formed in Victoria in May 1927 by a coalition of 52 organisations committed to improving safety outcomes. Originally proposed by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) to address road safety, the organisation’s scope quickly expanded to encompass safety at work, on the road and in the home.
Founding members included state government agencies, insurers, trade unions, local councils and respected non-profit organisations such as the Royal Life Saving Society Australia—reflecting a broad, community-led commitment to safety.
In 1929, the NSCA began broadcasting weekly safety lectures on radio, reaching households across the state with practical safety education. Speakers included senior leaders from policing, fire services, transport authorities and safety organisations, helping bring safety awareness into everyday Australian life.
In August 1946, the NSCA hosted its first national safety convention in Adelaide, marking an important milestone in uniting safety practitioners and organisations from across the country.
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Over the following decades, the NSCA continued to grow its national presence, focusing on accident prevention, public education and safety advocacy. Through campaigns, resources and events, the organisation supported evolving approaches to safety across industries and communities as Australia’s workforce and economy changed.
In the early 1990s, the organisation embarked on a period of renewal, strengthening its role as a not-for-profit provider of workplace health and safety services. This marked an important step in aligning the NSCA’s structure and activities with the changing needs of Australian workplaces and safety professionals.
In 2014, the organisation made a strategic decision to refocus on membership and enhancing member value. To support this direction, the NSCA separated its commercial training operations from its public service mission and was renamed the NSCA Foundation—reflecting a renewed commitment to supporting members, advancing safety knowledge and promoting best practice across Australian industry.
Subsequent strategic partnerships were established to support professional training delivery, allowing the NSCA Foundation to concentrate on education, engagement and advocacy for the safety profession.
Today, the NSCA Foundation is a member-based, non-profit organisation focused on improving workplace health, safety and wellbeing throughout Australia. We are a national safety community supporting individuals and organisations through trusted information, professional development and connection.
We continue to educate, engage and inspire through:
Our vision is for Australian workplaces to be among the safest in the world—protecting their most important asset: people.
