Unions today welcomed the reforms to Tasmania’s workers rehabilitation and compensation legislation which passed through the Legislative Council last night. 

Minister Singh has worked diligently to develop a package of measures that will reduce financial pressures on injured workers and renew emphasis on rehabilitation and return to work. 

In particular, the harsh step-down provisions that strip injured workers of 15% of their pay have been significantly softened, lump sum benefits for surviving spouses and dependents will be improved and the threshold for access to common law for negligence cases will be eased. 

Unions Tasmania is particularly pleased that the Workcover Board’s Return to Work and Injury Management model has been given broad support.

Mr Cocker said:

“This is a good result for injured workers.”

“Minister Singh and the government are to be congratulated on behalf of working people and their families for making these changes.”

“While step-down provisions remain as cost saving measures, they have been significantly softened and now won’t start until 6 months have elapsed and will be suspended if an injured worker is doing fifty percent of their normal hours.” 

“Financial hardship often exacerbates serious injury and this change will make life a little easier for injured workers and their families.”

“The threshold for accessing common law remains high at 20% of whole of person impairment but more claims will qualify.”

“The Return to Work and Injury Management Model is a very important part of the Act which supports workers in recovery from injury, maintaining contact with the workplace and returning to work in a structured, cooperative and supported process.” 

“Our current level of 10,000 workplace injuries a year is way too high but when injury does happen, injured workers and their families will be better supported from July next year.”

“It was good to see unanimous support from the Legislative Councillors,” said Mr Cocker.