Reintroducing common law access under the proposed WorkCover SA overhaul will add complexity without improving safety, according to a Donaldson Walsh Lawyers partner, who adds that workers with significant injuries could lose out under the reforms.
Injured South Australian workers will have access to common law damages under the proposed overhaul of the State workers' compensation scheme, according to a new policy statement, which also promises much lower premiums for employers.
Vic workers' comp Bill passes, but second Bill stalls; SA Bill will adversely affect RTW rates and drug tests, says Lucas; WorkCover SA Corporation Bill passes; and WorkCover medical fees go up in Western Australia.
New workers' comp laws to benefit Victorian employers; Greens vow to continue fight for presumptive workers' comp laws; and Quad bike deaths and injuries increasing in Victoria.
In this update, OHS Alert examines all the important OHS and workers' comp legislative changes made in the second quarter of 2013. We also recap the most significant court and tribunal rulings and other developments in each jurisdiction.
ACT funds new safety inspectors as Qld locks in "competitive" premiums; Coalition confirms commitment to FWC bullying plan; and Warnings issued after outdoor workers killed in South Australia and Victoria.