Increased weekly benefits for seriously injured workers

Substantially increased weekly benefits are available for 940 men and women who have been seriously injured at work, the Minister for Finance and Services, Greg Pearce, announced.

Pearce said the weekly benefit for the most seriously injured workers - those who had been assessed to have an impairment of more than 30% - would increase to a minimum of $736 per week.

“From today, 940 of the most seriously injured workers being supported by WorkCover will be guaranteed a rate which is around 70% more than the previous statutory rate, an increase from $432 to $736 per week, following the government’s reform of the scheme,” he said.

“We promised to improve the system and we have. As a result, seriously injured workers will have more money from today and access to medical treatment for life.

“Employers and the economy have also benefitted because the forecast 28% rise in WorkCover premiums was avoided, saving up to 12,600 jobs,” he said.

Pearce said he had been gratified to learn of the feedback WorkCover had received when it contacted many of the injured workers last week to inform them of the increased benefits.

“Many said they were amazed to hear their benefits were increasing, and increasing so substantially,” he said.

Pearce said the increase in payments is the next stage in the rollout of reforms to the state’s workers compensation system.

“The next phase starts on 1 October, and workers who make a claim on or after this date will receive benefits which more closely relate to workers’ actual earnings prior to injury.

“In the final phase from 1 January 2013, workers who made a claim prior to 1 October will be transitioned to the new legislative requirements.

“WorkCover is working to ensure that all those affected by the reforms adjust to the changes as smoothly as possible,” Pearce said.

For more information about the changes, visit the website.