Encouraging a return to work

The ongoing refinement of Tasmania's workers compensation scheme should make the encouragement of a return to work for injured workers a priority, says Bryan Green, the Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources.

"The Rutherford Report on workers compensation arrangements resulted in amendments to step down provisions, allowing improved benefits for those injured at work. The next round of the ongoing reforms will concentrate on the injury management model to ensure employers, insurers and workers co-operate in supporting injured workers in training and finding suitable work. "

"A consultation paper on the model is to go out this month and further legislation will be tabled in the Autumn session of Parliament. "

"I have a real concern for the minority of injured workers who are not able to return to work and want to see they are able to access appropriate and sustainable benefits. That matter will also be included in the next round of reforms. "

"Unfortunately backers of the "˜fairer compensation campaign' seem more focussed on obtaining bigger lump sum payments, which can largely be taken up with legal fees, rather than encouraging rehabilitation and a return to work," Green said.