News Flash

DISBANDING OF s58b/58c UNIT WILL DISADVANTAGE INJURED WORKERS

The PSA/CPSU has formally written to the Corporation to firmly oppose WorkCover's proposal to reduce its active involvement in the enforcement and compliance of employers' obligations under Sections 58B/C of the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986.

This is in addition to previous correspondence sent to the Minister for Industrial Relations, The Hon Michael Wright and the Workcover Board opposing outsourcing within the WorkCover Corporation.

The 58B/C proposal will significantly disadvantage injured workers and expose the WorkCover scheme to significant risks that may potentially threaten the level of injured workers entitlements to benefits and services in South Australia.

Clearly, the development of in house specialisation and enforcement officers within the 58 B/C Unit has imposed supplementary levies since 1999, where none were imposed from 1995 to 1997 when the function was outsourced.

It is bewildering that the Corporation would consider to allow claim managers to perform the role of an enforcer.  A clear conflict of interest will exist because the principles of claims management are so different from those of enforcement and compliance.

The Rann Labor State Government has pledged to all South Australians not to outsource any more public sector or statutory functions. WorkCover's proposal clearly contradicts this pledge.

South Australian workers deserve a system that continues to strengthen its strategy to enforce an employer's obligation across all industries. Anything less is simply not good enough.

The PSA/CPSU is committed to a system that has the appropriate regulations and enforcement, rather than a 'tick and flick" exercise that results in loss of employment and benefits to injured workers.

(For enquiries contact Ken Smith, Industrial Officer ks@cpsu.asn.au)

PSA WORKING FOR YOU