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Kaya (hello) reader,
On Wednesday 22 February 2023 the Hon. Bill Johnston MLA Minister for Industrial Relations tabled the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Bill 2023 in Parliament.
The Bill is a blueprint for a modern Act which provides clarity, flexibility and accessibility within the workers’ compensation system.
Western Australia has a stable and effective workers’ compensation scheme which ranks among the best in the nation. The new Bill builds on this solid foundation, and will ensure the scheme can continue to effectively serve the Western Australian community in the years to come.
Over the last few years we have consulted extensively with key stakeholder groups and the Western Australian public to develop a Bill that works for all. I extend my thanks to all stakeholders for their contributions and engagement during the consultation process.
I look forward to working together as we progress through the legislative process and towards the implementation of a new Act.
Chris White
CEO, WORKCOVER WA
FOCUS
Blueprint for a modern Act
The Bill proposes a number of changes to address inefficiencies in the scheme. Important improvements include;
- doubling the medical and health expenses cap and extending the point at which workers’ weekly compensation payments step down from 13 to 26 weeks.
- covering workers catastrophically injured in workplace accidents under the Catastrophic Injuries Support Scheme on the same footing as any person catastrophically injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident.
- implementing the balance of WorkCover WA’s 2014 legislative review report recommendations, building on priority amendments implemented in 2018 and 2020.
Next steps
As part of the legislative process, the Bill must progress through a number of formal stages.
You can follow the progress of the Bill and learn more about the next steps via the Parliament of Western Australia website.
OTHER NEWS
Brokers: Principles and Standards of Practice
New guidelines for brokers
As part of our commitment to set clear regulatory expectations, we are working with industry representatives to develop fit for purpose products for scheme stakeholders. In 2023 we are drafting the Brokers: Principles and Standards of Practice to ensure brokers working in the Western Australian scheme consciously adopt the required practices.
The first of a series of working group sessions seeking professional input and expertise from our stakeholders commences this month. Stay tuned for more details as the product comes to life.
International Women's Day
Q&A with Sharryn Jackson
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
To commemorate the event, we were proud to host WorkCover WA Board Chair Sharryn Jackson for an engaging Q&A session.
Sharryn shared key insights with us from a life of public service, leadership and advocacy.
Regional compliance education
WorkCover WA visit Geraldton
Our inspectors visited Geraldton on Friday 24 February 2023 to provide education regarding workers’ compensation. Face-to-face visits are an important aspect of our communications strategy, which utilises both traditional and contemporary methods to provide information tailored to stakeholder needs.
Due to the natural disaster in the Kimberley and Pilbara, all compliance inspections in this area have been temporarily paused.
Stats in the spotlight
Musculoskeletal disorder claims
Did you know we publish topical reports about emerging trends in the WA workers' compensation scheme?
We’ve just released a new statistical note on Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) claims, which include traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries, as well as musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases.
MSD claims make up more than half of all claims in the scheme, with an average of 23 MSD claims lodged every day.
Claims Managers Training
Sign up for the free micro-credential Foundations of Workers' Compensation: Claims Managers.
WorkCover WA Conference 2023
The WorkCover WA Conference is coming... watch this space!
Events and Important Dates
World Day for Safety & Health at Work
28 April 2023
WorkCover WA Conference 2023
13 October 2023
WorkCover WA acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community.
We pay our respects to all Aboriginal communities and their cultures, to elders past, present and emerging.
