Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett says the changes are fair and affordable.
The Tasmanian Government says it has struck the right balance with new
workers compensation laws, amid concerns from unions and employers.
Injured workers will now get paid more, for longer, and be more able to sue
employers for damages.
The State Government has responded to an independent review of
workers compensation, released 18 months ago.
Injured workers will receive full pay for 26 weeks instead the current 13
and then lose 10 per cent of their income, instead of 15 per cent.
They will also be able to sue their employer if 20 per cent of their body is
impaired, compared to the previous requirement of 30 per cent.
The reforms will go to Parliament this year and are due to take effect in July
next year.
Premier David Bartlett says the changes are fair and affordable.
"This is about getting the balance right," he said.
"This is about getting the balance right," he said.
Workplace Relations Minister Lisa Singh says that strikes the right
balance. "Between being fair for workers, and just for employers," she said.
Unions have welcomed the reforms, but say they do not go far enough.
But employers and unions both have complaints about the new compensation
laws.
The cost of claims is expected to rise by almost 15 per cent, and David Dilger
from the Chamber of Commerce says it is particularly bad timing.
"It will cost jobs," he said.
"It will cost jobs," he said.
Simon Cocker from Unions Tasmania wanted pay reductions scrapped
altogether, along with a nine-year limit on compensation payments.
But he says, none-the-less it is an improvement.
But he says, none-the-less it is an improvement.
ABC News
July 13, 2009
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