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Kaya (hello) reader
As we approach the end of 2023, we take a look back on a transformative year in workers’ compensation and injury management in Western Australia and forecast what's to come in 2024.
The passage of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 through Parliament in October was an achievement close to 14 years in the making.
While the consultation process on some key proposals has closed, the consultation period for papers 20 and 24 to 27 remains open until 12 January 2024, and papers 21 to 23 will be released in the new year. You can read all the papers here.
As we work towards the implementation date of 1 July 2024, we are committed to supporting you, our key stakeholders, through the implementation process. Information and supporting material, a refresh of our website, and tailored education programs are all in the works as part of an ongoing, comprehensive campaign.
The new year will bring opportunities for you to connect with our engagement and education campaigns both face to face and via digital mediums. Embedding legislative change is a big task and, to be effective, it needs to be internalised and cemented into organisational context and practice. Details on when, where and how you can access our education campaign will be released in early February.
I take this opportunity to thank you for joining with WorkCover WA as we move Forward Together on a process of positive improvement.
On behalf of WorkCover WA, I wish you a safe and joyful holiday season.
Chris White
CEO, WORKCOVER WA
FOCUS
1 December 2023 marked a significant milestone for WorkCover WA, with our newly introduced In-House Prosecution Unit making their first court appearances in the Magistrate’s Court.
With over 30 matters already on the calendar for the next two months, the establishment of our Prosecution Unit marks a natural step forward for WorkCover WA to extend our regulatory capability.
We extend a sincere thank you to the State Solicitor's Office, who previously managed all WorkCover WA prosecution matters, for their ongoing assistance. We look forward to continuing our work to improve workers’ compensation outcomes for all West Australians.
OTHER NEWS
Annual Insurer Review
WorkCover WA has completed its annual insurer review to evaluate the performance of WA insurers.
The review is part of our approach to strengthen regulation and ensure service expectations are met.
To guide insurer performance, WorkCover WA developed the Insurer and Self-Insurer Principles and Standards of Practice.
We will be conducting face-to-face meetings with individual insurers in the new year to discuss upcoming challenges and how we can continue to move forwards to support the WA community.
National Framework for
Claims Managers
WorkCover WA is pleased to be part of the Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF) working group to develop a national capability framework for claims managers.
The working group represents a diverse cross-section of claim and injury management professionals and stakeholders working across jurisdictions in Australia.
The primary objective of developing national standards and competencies will be to improve professionalism and outcomes for the industry, and address capability and capacity issues.
Collaboration matters! Complete our short survey to help us keep you in the loop and deliver the news that matters to you in 2024!
Industry Insights - Health Care
The Health Care and Social Assistance industry encompasses a wide range of workers providing vital services.
With a workforce of 186 249 people, this industry includes workers in hospitals, residential care providers, and allied health professionals.
A total of 3167 claims were lodged in 2022/2023, accounting for 12.7% of total claims.
Learn more about claim trends and attributes in key WA industries by reading out latest industry-specific reports.
16 Days in WA
The 16 Days in WA campaign aims to raise awareness and motivate positive action to end violence against women. Now in its seventh year, the campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December.
We all have a part to play, and WorkCover WA was proud to once again have representatives joining the 33rd March Against Domestic and Family Violence in Perth on 5 December.
There’s still time to join in with the WA Community to take a stand and stop violence against women.
During our closedown, the WorkCover WA Online portal will be available for document lodgement, however documents will not be processed until services resume. No conciliation conferences or arbitration hearings will be held.
For any queries regarding WorkCover WA services, please contact our Advice and Assistance Service on 1300 794 744.
Foundations of Workers’ Compensation: WRPs
Develop your skills by completing this free online training course.
Foundations of Workers' Compensation: Claims Managers
Get 10 NIBA/ANZIIF CPD points when you complete this free online training.
Events and Important Dates
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.
