The Victorian Gorvernment has released its response to the Ombudsman’s report, WorkSafe 2: Follow-up investigation into the management of complex workers compensation claims.
The Minister for Workplace Safety, Jill Hennessy said the government had accepted all 15 recommendations from the State Ombudsman’s second report and ordered an independent committee have oversight of the implementation of the recommendations.
Ms Hennessy said the report revealed disturbing examples of injured workers who were unfairly treated and unjustly denied their legal entitlements.
“[The report] also demonstrates a systemic problem with the current model of claims management for complex claims, and insufficient oversight and review mechanisms,” Ms Hennessy said.
Ms Hennessy said that in response to the Ombudsman’s recommendations the Government would: commission an independent review to consider whether the current model of claims management was meeting objectives; and introduce a new dispute resolution process that allowed for binding determinations on the merits of claims decisions.
Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass said the system was failing to deliver just outcomes to too many people.
“From the evidence in this report it would appear that my 2016 investigation only scratched the surface,” Ms Glass said.
“Many of the decisions and actions we saw were not only unjust and wrong,” she said.
“Some were downright immoral and unethical.”
Ms Glass said her investigation found that WorkSafe had failed to hold agents accountable for poor decisions.
“It is time for the change that makes a difference, and I welcome the government’s acceptance of this,” Ms Glass said.
The 250-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
