Debate erupts over changes to WorkCover

The initial review of the WorkCover Scheme premium system took place during 2003-2004. NSW minister for commerce John Della Bosca claims the reforms aim to fairly distribute costs among employers, provide incentives to improve workplace safety, encourage early injury reporting as well as providing return-to-work opportunities. The third and latest discussion is now available, and the government claims it addresses some of the issues raised by Printing Industries and member companies.

Printing Industries National Diector Philip Anderson insists that apart from increasing obligations on employers, the reforms will add costs to the workers compensation system. “Ultimately, those additional costs may result in increased premiums,” he says. “However, vigilant management of injuries and workers compensation claims together with a diligent approach to occupational safety and health will contain those premium increases and may well produce savings.”

The discussion paper can be downloaded from www.printnet.com.au . Printing Industries wants members with concerns over the proposed changes to workers compensation to take part in the debate and discussion, and is holding a number of public forums around NSW. The dates and details are as follows:

Central Coast
Tuesday 15 March
Quality Inn - The Willows, 512 Pacific Highway, Wyoming.
Session times: 2.30 - 4.30pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm.
Registration: 2.00pm or 6.00pm

Lismore
Wednesday 30 March.
Lismore Workers Club, 225 - 231 Keen Street.
Session times: 2.30 - 4.30pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm
Registration: 2.00pm or 6.00pm

Newcastle
Wednesday 16 March
Crowne Plaza, Cnr Merewether Street and Wharf Road
Session times: 3.00 - 5.00pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm
Registration: 2.30pm or 6.00pm.

Orange
Wednesday 23 March
Country Comfort Motel, 146 Bathurst Road
Session times: 2.30 - 4.30pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm
Registration: 2.00pm or 6.00pm

Parramatta
Friday 18 March
Northcott Function Centre, 1 Fennell Street. North Parramatta
Session times: 2.30 - 4.30pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm
Registration: 2.00pm or 6.00pm.

Sydney
Thursday 17 March
Balmain Tigers RLFC, 138 - 152 Victoria Road, Rozelle
Session times: 2.30 - 4.30pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm
Registration: 2.00pm or 6.00pm.

Monday 21 March
The Masonic Centre, 279 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
Session times: 2.30 - 4.30pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm
Registration: 2.00pm or 6.00pm

Tamworth
Thursday 31 March
Country Comfort Motel, 293 Marius Street (cnr New England Highway)
Session times: 2.30 - 4.30pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm
Registration: 2.00pm or 6.00pm.

Wagga Wagga
Tuesday 22 March
Carriage House Function Centre, Sturt Highway (cnr Eunony Bridge Rd)
Session times: 2.30 - 4.30pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm
Registration: 2.00pm or 6.00pm

Wollongong
Monday 14 March
Novotel Northbeach, 2 - 14 Cliff Road
Session times: 2.30 - 4.30pm or 6.30 - 8.30pm
Registration: 2.00pm or 6.00pm.