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Canberra Today 17°/20° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Mick Gentleman wants to hammer out a new ACT PS workers’ comp scheme in six weeks

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MICK Gentleman says consultation has commenced on the design of a new workers’ compensation scheme aimed at providing improved outcomes for injured ACT public sector employees.

“The ACT Government continues focus on assisting its injured workers recover and return to employment as soon as possible, and we wish to work with our staff and their representatives on how this can be best achieved,” Mick said.

“A key focus of these discussions will be how we can ensure the best outcomes for those on workers’ compensation. We anticipate that we will be able to leverage the advantages of our ‘one service’ to improve return to work outcomes for our injured employees.

The consultation process will be guided by workers’ compensation scheme design principles around:

  • enhancing work safety by encouraging everyone to take responsibility for injury management;
  • promoting recovery and return to work;
  • guaranteeing long-term compensation, care and support for seriously injured workers;
  • driving cost effectiveness by making the scheme more efficient and focusing on return to work outcomes; and
  • making claims processing easier and less stressful for claimants.

“The proposed changes will only apply to the ACT public sector and would not affect existing workers’ compensation claims. Private sector workers’ compensation arrangements will also not be impacted.

“The ACT Government has a strong commitment towards ensuring the best positive outcomes for workers, with return to work outcomes vital to the health and wellbeing of our employees,” Minister Gentleman concluded.

Mick says the consultation process will be conducted with all interested parties over the next six weeks.


UPDATE: Alex White, Secretary of UnionsACT, has expressed some pleasure at this announcement:

“The ACT government’s exit from the Comcare scheme is an opportunity to develop the best workers compensation scheme in the country.

“It is widely known that Comcare has not always delivered the best outcomes for workers in the past, and the proposed changes to the scheme by the Abbott Government would materially reduce rights and entitlements.

“Unions in the Canberra region looks forward to working with the ACT Government to develop a replacement scheme. We will ensure that any new compensation scheme improves the rights of workers and has better safety and return to work outcomes.”

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