WorkCover WA has released proposed legislation aimed at modernising workers’ compensation laws for public consultation.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Stephen Dawson described the current laws, dating back to 1981, as “archaic”.
Mr Dawson said the draft Bill implemented recommendations from WorkCover WA’s 2014 Review of the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act.
He said the changes it proposed included an increase on the cap for medical and health expenses and extension of the point at which a worker’s income compensation payments stepped down, from 13 to 26 weeks.
The Minister said the draft Bill also implemented lifetime care and support arrangements for catastrophically-injured workers.
Mr Dawson said public consultation on the draft Bill would occur before it was introduced into Parliament so that stakeholders could have their say.
“WorkCover WA is managing the consultation process and will be providing public information sessions on the Bill,” he said.
“This is the first step in replacing the archaic 1981 legislation with a Bill that is fair, workable and easier to understand.”
He said the legislation would result in injured workers receiving an appropriate level of financial support for medical expenses and loss of income.
“I encourage anyone who has an interest in the workers’ compensation scheme to make a submission so that the workers’ compensation legislation can serve Western Australia well for many decades to come,” Mr Dawson said.
Public submissions can be made for a three-month period ending on 10 November.
The 343-page draft Bill can be accessed at this PS News link and information on how to make a submission at this link.
