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Kaya reader,
This March we celebrated a major milestone, with the 1 July 2024 commencement date of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 proclaimed by the Governor in Executive Council.
The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Regulations 2024 have also been enacted and are available to view here.
We have released an additional implementation consultation paper on the proposed Conciliation Rules and Arbitration Rules, open for public comment until 17 April 2024. Access the paper here.
Last month, we released the schedule of our upcoming Future Empowered workshop series. With the Regulations now enacted, we are all set to launch our workshops later this month.
The workshops are being developed with each stakeholder group in mind, to provide the tailored support needed to transition to the new Act on 1 July 2024. You can find the full list of sessions here.
Due to overwhelming demand, we have added three new sessions to the lineup - book your spot below.
MIXED ONLINE SESSION
8 May 2024
An online overview session suitable for claims managers, underwriters and injury management professionals unable to attend other sessions, including those based regionally and interstate.
EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVES
31 May 2024
A session for employers and employer representatives.
WORKPLACE REHABILITATION PROVIDERS (WRPs)
4 June 2024
The content of this session will be the same as the WRP session on 26 April.
FOCUS
The new Act is supported by the Regulations, and a number of administrative instruments, approved forms, notices, and transitional directives.
With all this new information heading your way, we’ve created a new page on our website to be your ‘one stop shop’ for all the resources you will need to support a smooth transition to the new Act on 1 July 2024.
Many new forms have been added to the page in the last week, and with more to come make sure you are also following us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on all the latest releases.
OTHER NEWS
The cost of noncompliance
WorkCover WA is focused on ensuring every worker is covered by a workers compensation policy. With every worker employed representing an increased risk, employing a high number of workers without required workers compensation insurance is a risky business as these two employers recently found out:
- A home care support service which employed 149 workers for close to a year without the required insurance was fined $65,000 and ordered to pay avoided premiums totalling $44,808.
- A commercial cleaning business which employed 67 workers for over a year and a half without the required insurance was fined $91,405 and ordered to pay avoided premiums totalling $18,375.
Learn more about WorkCover WA’s compliance activities and see our prosecution results on our website.
ECU Prizegiving Ceremony
WorkCover WA has proudly supported Edith Cowan University’s Workplace Compensation and Injury Management units in their Health Sciences courses over many years. Graduates of the course represent the next generation of rehabilitation providers and claims managers.
On March 11, we were delighted to attend the School of Medical and Health Sciences Student Award Ceremony and present the WorkCover WA Award (Undergraduate) for outstanding achievement in these units.
We are pleased to continue to work with Edith Cowan University to build foundational awareness and understanding of the workers compensation scheme among future practitioners.
Upcoming PIEF Conference
The 2024 Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF) Conference will be held in Perth for the first time on 28-30 October, with WorkCover WA and the Insurance Commission of WA as major sponsors.
The theme for this year is “Work, Drive and Be Well,” and will present a unique opportunity for industry practitioners and stakeholders to explore:
- Navigating the changing landscape - emerging trends in personal injury compensation
- Building resilience - adapting to challenges and enhancing recovery
- Strategies for success - collaboration, innovation and best practice.
Visit the official Conference website now to learn more and sign up for updates.
ANZSOM Annual Scientific Meeting
The Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine (ANZSOM) Annual Scientific Meeting will be held in Perth this year, on October 20-23.
The Conference theme is “Innovate, Integrate, Inspire | Navigating the Future of Occupational Medicine”.
It is an exciting opportunity for occupational physicians to network and explore innovation in this space and inspire fresh approaches that will shape the future of the profession.
Stay up to date on all the latest news via the ANZSOM ASM 2024 website now.
Celebrating IWD
On 11 March, we were pleased to welcome WorkCover WA Board members Ms Peta Libby AM and Ms Sally North to participate in a panel discussion about women in leadership for International Women’s Day.
Both women shared experiences from their formidable careers, to give our staff insight into how they have successfully navigated traditionally male-dominated industries to become leaders in their fields.
WorkCover WA is proud to have a workforce that boasts many incredible women at all levels, and we acknowledge their contributions to the successes of our agency every day.
Harmony Week
Harmony Week, held on 18 March – 24 March 2024, is a celebration of cultural diversity and inclusion. As a values-based agency WorkCover WA strives to create a respectful and inclusive work environment where ‘everyone belongs’ every day.
This year we celebrated Harmony Week with the return of our incredibly successful Spice Market! Over 70 staff came together to sample delicious dishes cooked up by our colleagues from around the globe.
Not only was the Spice Market a fantastic opportunity to connect across cultures, but WorkCover WA also raised over $400 for the Multicultural Services Centre of Western Australia.
Dates for your diary
ANZSOM ASM 2024
20-23 October 2024
PIEF Conference 2024
28-30 October 2024
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.
