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Kaya reader,
With less than a month to go until the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 takes effect on 1 July 2024, I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for your continued engagement throughout the implementation process.
I have been fortunate to meet many of you in person at our Future Empowered and targeted information sessions and have connected with many more of you through our highly attended online workshops.
With only 2 more online sessions to go, we’ve almost reached the end of our Future Empowered series, but new resources continue to be released each week to support your implementation journey on our Legislative Framework Page. Additions over the last few weeks include the Conciliation and Arbitration rules, forms and approval instruments, and Approved Permanent Impairment Assessor guidelines and blueprints.
This month we end our service under the 1981 legislative framework. The new Act provides a platform for WorkCover WA to respond to emerging issues and ensures the scheme remains fit for purpose over the years ahead.
We look forward to working with you, the Western Australian community, under the new Act. See you on the other side of 1 July.
Chris White
CEO, WORKCOVER WA
SERVICE ALERT
In preparation for the new Act coming into effect, we are updating the information, publications and systems available through our website from midday 28 June.
WorkCover WA Online will also be unavailable from 5pm on 28 June to 8am on 1 July.
We recommend you assess your lodgement needs in preparation for this period of closure, and plan accordingly.
We look forward to welcoming you to our new and improved website and WorkCover WA Online at 8am on 1 July!
If you require further assistance, please contact our Advisory Team during business hours on 1300 794 744.
OTHER NEWS
AMS to APIA
Effective 1 July 2024, there will be a change of title for Approved Medical Specialists (AMS) in the Western Australian workers compensation scheme to Approved Permanent Impairment Assessors (APIA) under the new Act.
This name clarifies the important role of these medical practitioners in the workers compensation process, assessing an injured workers degree of permanent impairment.
We were pleased to host 120 soon-to-be APIA’s at our Future Empowered workshop last week.
Perth Safety & Injury Forum
WorkCover WA CEO Chris White is scheduled to deliver a keynote address about upcoming legislative changes at the upcoming Perth Safety & Injury Forum on 19 June.
The forum, presented by the WHS Foundation and the NSCA Foundation, is an opportunity to hear from industry experts about two key themes:
- Safety – exploring the WHS laws two years after introduction, and considering psychosocial hazards and risks
- Injury – focus on the new Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023
NOMINATION SEASON
As a major sponsor of the Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF) National Conference 2024, we look forward to showcasing the exceptional work of service providers throughout Australia at the 2024 Excellence in Personal Injury & Disability Management Awards.
The PIEF National Conference will be held at Crown Perth from 28 to 30 October, with the Awards Gala Dinner held on the evening of 29 October.
Nominations are now open for all 12 award categories and will close on 15 July.
While you’re nominating, remember to also nominate outstanding achievers for the ARPA WA 2024 Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards.
Nominations for the two categories below are now open until 19 June:
- Exceptional Injury Management Professional Award
- Exceptional Case Manager Award
As a platinum sponsor, we look forward to celebrating these outstanding achievements at the Awards ceremony, to be held at the Ritz-Carlton, Perth on 13 September.
Walking for Reconciliation
National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
WorkCover WA aims to establish and strengthen relationships and promote the career development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year, our Diversity and Inclusion Committee participated in a Walk for Reconciliation on 31 May in Boorloo (Perth) to demonstrate support and solidarity toward the vision of a shared future, which celebrates the place, culture and contribution of Aboriginal Peoples to Australia.
Celebrating IDAHOBIT
17 May was International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). It was a day to both celebrate how far we've come in LGBTQIA+ rights, and to recognise how much further we still have to go.
At WorkCover WA, respect is one of our core values, and we aim to actively support the LGBTQIA+ community and create an environment where all staff are comfortable to come work every day as their authentic selves.
We look forward to continuing to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community through June for Pride Month 2024, and beyond.
Dates for your diary
ARPA WA Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards
13 September 2024
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.
