Browsing: Workers' comp legislation, regulations, standards and codes (National) | Page 6

The Federal Government's SRC Amendment Bill will allow "unscrupulous" single-state employers to qualify for self-insurance under Comcare - and escape the more rigorous WHS requirements of other schemes - by, for example, setting up a one-person office in a second jurisdiction, according to a new report.

The workers' compensation schemes in five jurisdictions will be amended, and employer premiums increased, under one of the Federal Government's preferred options for ensuring catastrophically injured workers are supported for life.

Comcare has assured Commonwealth agencies and licensees that their premiums won't increase as a result of the ACT leaving the scheme, while the Federal Employment Minister says he hopes to scrap "over generous" workers' comp benefits that make the scheme unviable for entities like the ACT.

The Federal Government has introduced an SRC Amendment Bill to enable Comcare to collect "exit contributions" from authorities that leave the scheme, after the ACT revealed plans to develop a workers' comp system that covers its public sector employees.

Employers that currently or intend to self-insure through Comcare will save up to $100,000 every eight years under new application rules, according to the Federal Government. Also in this article, a self-insured company has been fined $110,000 for exposing a worker to hazardous fumes.

Victoria's new Labor Government will review the State OHS Act and the WorkCover Authority's enforcement policies, while the Federal Government's Comcare Bill will face a hostile Senate after passing through the Lower House.

Injured employees in NSW are entitled to accrue leave while they're absent from work and receiving compensation - for now, the Federal Circuit Court has found.

A senior departmental officer has assured critics of the SRC Amendment Bill that Comcare has the expertise and resources to regulate complex, heavy industries.

Workplace-to-accommodation journey injury compensable; and Two more companies granted self-insurance licences under Comcare scheme.

Axing recess-injury cover high on Government agenda; and WHS amendments take effect in the ACT tomorrow.