The Minister for Workplace Relations, Lisa Singh, today welcomed passage of reforms to Tasmania’s workers’ rehabilitation and compensation legislation through the House of Assembly with unanimous support.
“This package is a core part of the Government’s agenda to improve the care injured workers receive," Ms Singh said.
“There are also improvements to compensation that may be accessed by injured workers and an increased focus on preparing for the return to work.
“While every worker has the right to expect that they will get through the day safely, unfortunately this is not always the case.
“However, if a worker is injured at work, these reforms will ensure that they are supported on their return, and they’ll receive fair compensation while away from work.
“This legislation is about striking the right balance between the needs of employers and the rights of workers.
“Last year there were more than 10,000 workplace injuries reported in Tasmania, with more than 4000 resulting in lost time at work.
The reforms are based on the Government’s response to the recommendations of Victorian consultant Alan Clayton and the Return to Work and Injury Management Model developed by the WorkCover Tasmania Board.
The key reforms will:
- Improve access to common law damages for compensation by reducing the whole of person impairment threshold from 30% to 20%;
- Amend the first step-down to 90% of normal weekly earnings rather than 85% of normal weekly earnings;
- Delay the operation of the first step-down, so that it comes into effect at 26 weeks of incapacity rather than 13 weeks;
- Streamline the management of injury and illness to deliver better health and return to work outcomes for injured workers and lower costs to employers;
- Foster and reinforce a return to work culture among employers, workers and other stakeholders;
- Provide greater income security for injured workers by increasing the duration and reducing the “step-down” of weekly compensation payments for injured workers;
- Increase lump sum compensation up to $250,000 for permanent impairment or death to levels more comparable to those provided in other states and territories;
- Provide additional financial incentives for workers and employers to participate in rehabilitation.
“With the range of views that were put forward during consultation I am confident that this legislation strikes the right balance of fairness for workers and their families and support for employers and business.
“Standing up for working Tasmanians and delivering a fair and balance workers compensation scheme is something that we are committed to.
“The Government looks forward to having the Legislative Council consider this bill in the coming weeks to improve the workers rehabilitation and compensation system in Tasmania,” Ms Singh said.
