The Hanks Review was finally made public on 26 September after being
received by the WorkCover Minister, Tim Holding, a month earlier.
The final report of Mr Peter Hanks QC into changes to the 1985 Accident
Compensation Act only confirmed the VTHC's fears.
On releasing the report and reviewing its contents, the Minister for
WorkCover stated: "... we have the best workers compensation system
of any jurisdiction in Australia..."
If it's the best, why does WorkCover:
Have the 2nd lowest return to work rate in Australia?
Have the 3rd lowest long-term return to work rate in Australia?
Have the highest percentage (18%) of injured workers that are either
sacked or retrenched?
If it's the best, why does WorkCover:
Spend less on rehabilitation for individual injured workers that any other
state?
Have agents who rate the lowest in Australia for services to injured workers
such as helpfulness, accuracy of information, attitude, communication and
advising workers of their rights?
Have the highest number of disputes over claims?
If its the best, why does WorkCover:
Have a system of weekly payments to injured workers that is so outdated
that even Peter Hanks QC says in his report to Minister Holding that it was
too big a mess for him to fix? He says it needs its own urgent inquiry to
solve its problems such as under-compensating workers.
Mr Hanks has made 150 recommendations for change. Although some
will improve the system many will make it much worse for injured workers.
WorkCover is the wealthiest system of workers compensation in Australia
with $10.3 billion in reserves through investments. Since 2004 it's cut
employers' premiums by 45% saving them $2 billion. Despite WorkCover's
profits and its gifts to employers, it still fails to provide quality care for
injured workers.
Here's How! www.fixworkcover.org/sendletter.php
Showing posts with label ACA Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ACA Reviews. Show all posts
Saturday, 7 March 2009
WORKPLACE SAFETY STRENGTHENED FOLLOWING REVIEW
From the Minister for Workcover
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Victorian workplace safety will be even stronger following the Brumby
Government’s response to a review of the landmark Occupational Health and
Safety Act 2004. Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the TAC Tim Holding
said the Government had accepted the majority of the review’s
recommendations to ensure Victoria remains a leader in workplace safety.
“The response I am releasing today fulfils a commitment made by the
Government to review the legislation to ensure it is working effectively,”
Mr Holding said.“This review confirms that the legislation introduced in 2004
provides the right framework for Victorian businesses and workers.”Mr Holding
said the recommendations required WorkSafe Victoria to undertake
changes of an operational nature.WorkSafe has already implemented
or is in the process of implementing many of the recommendations in
the review.“The review overwhelmingly shows the implementation of the
legislation has been a smooth process, but fine tuning of operational matters
will further assist workers and employers,” Mr Holding said.
Mr Holding said the Government fully supported the review’s
recommendations relating to:
Improved resolution of safety issues in the workplace;
Revised guidance for workplace consultation;
Greater flexibility and support for workplace representation; and
Providing improved certainty around compliance requirements.
The Government’s response also committed to greater protection of employees
who raise OHS issues.“Employees and their OHS representatives have an
important role in ensuring that safety issues are identified before they
become a problem and supporting these roles will lead to further
improvements in workplace safety,” he said.
The review was completed after extensive consultation with trade unions
and employer associations.
It was conducted by Mr Bob Stensholt MP, who also led the consultation
process following Mr Chris Maxwell QC’s review of the 1985 Act.“I would
like to thank Mr Bob Stensholt MP for the outstanding contribution he
made in conducting this important review,” he said.
The review report was released in December 2007 and it can be found,
along with the Government’s response at: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Victorian workplace safety will be even stronger following the Brumby
Government’s response to a review of the landmark Occupational Health and
Safety Act 2004. Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the TAC Tim Holding
said the Government had accepted the majority of the review’s
recommendations to ensure Victoria remains a leader in workplace safety.
“The response I am releasing today fulfils a commitment made by the
Government to review the legislation to ensure it is working effectively,”
Mr Holding said.“This review confirms that the legislation introduced in 2004
provides the right framework for Victorian businesses and workers.”Mr Holding
said the recommendations required WorkSafe Victoria to undertake
changes of an operational nature.WorkSafe has already implemented
or is in the process of implementing many of the recommendations in
the review.“The review overwhelmingly shows the implementation of the
legislation has been a smooth process, but fine tuning of operational matters
will further assist workers and employers,” Mr Holding said.
Mr Holding said the Government fully supported the review’s
recommendations relating to:
Improved resolution of safety issues in the workplace;
Revised guidance for workplace consultation;
Greater flexibility and support for workplace representation; and
Providing improved certainty around compliance requirements.
The Government’s response also committed to greater protection of employees
who raise OHS issues.“Employees and their OHS representatives have an
important role in ensuring that safety issues are identified before they
become a problem and supporting these roles will lead to further
improvements in workplace safety,” he said.
The review was completed after extensive consultation with trade unions
and employer associations.
It was conducted by Mr Bob Stensholt MP, who also led the consultation
process following Mr Chris Maxwell QC’s review of the 1985 Act.“I would
like to thank Mr Bob Stensholt MP for the outstanding contribution he
made in conducting this important review,” he said.
The review report was released in December 2007 and it can be found,
along with the Government’s response at: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
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