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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 1 Hansard (22 February) . . Page.. 164 ..

MR DE DOMENICO: Thank you. Mr Speaker, I am pleased to table the Government's response to the recommendations of the Assembly Select Committee on Workers Compensation Provisions, chaired by Mr Berry, copies of which have been circulated to all members of the Assembly. The Government continues to be most concerned at the high cost of workers compensation for its employees, in both human and financial terms, and is committed to improving the situation. The recommendations made by the select committee are welcomed and, in the main, accord with those of the Government's own review.

Over the last six months, through reports prepared as a result of the select committee inquiry and the review conducted by Tillinghast, the Government has taken action to commence addressing the underlying issues that are resulting in high injury and illness rates and increasing costs. Action has already commenced to implement many of the recommendations made in the select committee report, which was reinforced by our own review.

Development of a strategically integrated injury prevention and management model has already begun and the Government is working with the assistance of Comcare Australia to bring this about. Mr Speaker, you might be aware that Comcare Australia agreed to lend a senior manager to the Chief Minister's Department for 12 months from November 1995. This officer is already well advanced in developing a framework in conjunction with the agencies. Once the framework is completed, refinement and implementation will be a joint undertaking, with agencies and unions having a major role. Discussions have also been held with Comcare Australia about the premium process for 1996-97 so that this will reflect current administrative arrangements and so that the costs are known in time to be fully accounted for in the budget process. These discussions will also involve examining the premium setting process to ensure that it best reflects our needs.

Mr Speaker, getting our workers compensation under control is not an easy task, and it is one that cannot be achieved overnight. To achieve the premium levels we believe we should be paying will take three to five years of concentrated and consistent effort. We have to reduce the number of injuries and illnesses that our employees suffer, and get injured staff back to work quickly. Achievement of these goals will involve changing attitudes and work cultures, and it will require commitment from all parties. Focusing attention on reducing the number of injuries and illnesses does not mean, however, that we are not examining other aspects, such as the best long-term arrangements for public sector workers compensation. The Government is looking at all the elements, not just the obvious ones, in searching for the best method of managing our workers compensation arrangements and providing coverage for our employees.

Mr Speaker, the Government remains fully committed to putting in place the best possible working environment for its staff, and our response to the select committee recommendations is an indicator of that. The Government is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace where injuries and illness are minimised and where employees are assisted, in whatever way is needed, to return to work following an injury or illness. Mr Speaker, I commend the Government's response to the Assembly.

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