Page 2636 - Week 12 - Thursday, 16 November 1989
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Australia. Indeed, officers of my department are in joint working parties with other States which are now actively reviewing and scrutinising those costs.
The Commonwealth is also concerned and involved in these working parties, both because of COMCARE and also because of the role of the Department of Community Services and Health. So it is clear that consultation is necessary, and it is expected that there will be wide consultation, both during the consultants process and following the presentation of the report. An important part of the presentation of that report will be the stage when it goes to the industrial relations advisory council. We, of course, acknowledge that within the ACT there are unique problems and we are aware of most of the problems within the current system that we face.
On the question of the advertisement for the consultant, the original ad was a small one, but it was replaced. Not only was the ad republished in the Canberra Times but it was also widely advertised in the national press. I think members will be pleased to know that there has been a very high level of interest in that consultancy, including expressions of interest from some of the largest firms of accountants in the country and from other more specialised consultants who have a much narrower range of interests. There has been quite a wide expression of interest and I am confident that we will end up with a very appropriate review.
The terms of reference require the consultant to undertake a review of and make recommendations on the operation and administration of workers compensation covering the area of employment for which the ACT Government has the responsibility. The review should include an evaluation of the experience gained from the New South Wales, Victorian, South Australian, Northern Territory and Commonwealth schemes.
It will cover compensation arrangements for both the ACT government service and the ACT private sector and meet the objectives of providing a cost-effective scheme for adequate compensation for workers, pending their return to gainful employment. It will take into account the need for any suggested scheme to be acceptable to government, private employers and workers. It will provide a comprehensive report, giving options on recommended changes to the conditions and benefits provided under the scheme, and in particular address the following issues: the need for workers compensation to complement occupational health and safety legislation and systems; the rehabilitation of workers, including how rehabilitation services for work related disabilities should be provided; journey claims and common law claims - whether to retain fully, partially, or to abolish altogether; alternatives to the current adversary systems of handling disputed claims through the Magistrates Courts; the question of benefits of a fully funded or pay-as-you-go scheme; and finally, the minimisation of the running costs of the scheme.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .