Okay, so Stoner is saying all fault lies within the WorkCover Scheme itself? Injured workers are the real victims here? I sincerely hope that is how it plays out and some serious reforms come out of this Inquiry.
Injured workers safe under compo changes: Stoner
Acting NSW Premier Andrew Stoner says injured workers will be protected despite planned reforms to the WorkCover scheme.
NSW workers injured on the job have been promised full protection under a reformed compensation scheme, but Acting Premier Andrew Stoner says the $4 billion blowout in WorkCover has to be reined in.
Unions NSW on Monday launched an advertising campaign against what it predicts will be major cuts to the WorkCover scheme, after a discussion paper released by government recommended capping weekly payments and putting a two-and-a-half year limit on entitlements.
Reform of the compensation scheme – and the 16 recommendations of the discussion paper – will be the focus of a parliamentary inquiry next week.
However, Unions NSW boss Mark Lennon said he believed the government had already made its mind up to slash compensation payouts.
Mr Stoner denied any decision had been made about the final makeup of the WorkCover scheme, but said action was needed to arrest a $4.1 billion deficit which would cause premiums to skyrocket by 28 per cent.
He said the union movement should be putting forward their ideas for reform of the system, not launching “a protest campaign before the consultations have even begun”.
“It is the intent of the government that workers who are injured in the workplace will have full protection,” Mr Stoner told reporters in Sydney.
“They will be supported by the final scheme, but it has to be a scheme that doesn’t have loopholes in it, that doesn’t allow for rorts, and which is financially affordable.”
Mr Lennon said the focus of the WorkCover reforms should be on better return to work programs, and not the cutting of benefits.
“Not one that slashes weekly payments, takes people off payments after two-and-a-half years, caps medical payments, and doesn’t cover people while they’re travelling to and from work.”
Source: see original article 7 News
Shortlink: http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/?p=7915
Do I sense some back-pedaling from the acting premier? Or is this just political speak and an implied threat to unions? Certainly 180 degree turn from what Barry O’Farrell had to slander all over the media? Am I missing something here?
Hi Injured
It is hard to tell what is going on behind the walls of the state government bureaucratic machine – I’m not sure just how much is media sensationalism either. All I know is that the system needs to change well and truly in favour of injured workers and not in the direction of insurers or employers.
Anything less will provoke a war that this state government can ill-afford. I’m witnessing a real rallying of troops in the form of injured workers, unions and the Greens.
“I’m witnessing a real rallying of troops in the form of injured workers, unions and the Greens” – it’s a first in a long time that I am sensing and seeing the same, perhaps thanks to websites and blogs (like this one) who are raising awareness about this very issue and allow injured workers to stand up and to voice their own stories. It does show that Power is in numbers! And, as Erin Brockovich says, that we can be warriors as long as we believe in ourselves and our cause. KEEP KICKING BUTT folks, share your stories and let’s plaster them all over the media -show what the real workcover is about.
WorkCover victim
This blog, I have no doubt, is playing a very valuable role in bringing about change. Sometimes we have to persist with a degree of blind faith just to keep fighting – especially given how politicians are slow to recognise or admit the need for change. Do I think this blog is having an impact – Yes, it is!
Too many people give up on fighting for what is right – it’s a rare person or persons who takes up the fight on the front lines and in the face of overwhelming inertia. Its a bit like hammering away at a big rock thousands of times, day in and day out for a long period of time and eventually the rock just suddenly breaks-apart – progress can seem slow and seemingly imperceptible and then all of a sudden something gives and then everyone and everything adjusts to a new reality. That is exactly what needs to happen with workers compensation in Australia.
I think you’re right – this (and like minded) blog is definitely making a difference, however small or slow - it gives a voice to injured workers, certainly raises the much needed awareness and exposes the real workcover for what it truly is.
This is also why Erin Brockovich was so impressed with the work gone into this blog and insisted on meeting with me (‘the kick-starter’) personally, and to offer this blog LEVERAGE.
However this blog would not exist without a need for it and without all the wonderful (however painful) contributions from injured workers, just like you and me. POWER is in numbers and if we all jump on the wagon, yes we can make that much needed change.
Again, I urge every single injured worker to share his/her story publicly, so that we can continue to expose the real workcover system.
* There is no backpedalling.
* The government agenda is set.
* We all know that the inquiry is a sham.
* Greg McCarthy is allegedly back within WorkCover as consultant and he’s going to exact the O’Farrell’s plan.
* The government brought out all of those “winner” injured worker stories “$1M for 2 fingers”. This was done for a reason.
What we saw today is careful double-speak, nothing more, nothing less.
Well, None, I think you are absolutely right and I am certainly not holding my breath. However, the fact that the NSW unions are campaigning makes me/us feel a tad better – there may be hope in UNITY!
I agree, and I can thoroughly understand your cynicism.
“The government brought out all of those “winner” injured worker stories “$1M for 2 fingers”. This was done for a reason.”
They’ve been cherry-picking cases, however, I also know that Pearce has been relying on WorkCover to make his case for him. My view is that WorkCover are on very shaky ground as far as credibility goes. Pearce is also out of his depth and the unions have inside information simply because the unions spent sixteen years in – bed with the previous NSW Labor Government.
The unions knew long-ago how dysfunctional the whole system was, however, it was not a priority they had on their agendas to pursue – injured workers were abandoned by the unions and former Labor Government. They, UNIONS NSW, rolled over for the Carr Government in 2001, despite protesting publicly at the changes, they were best of mates behind the scenes – even going to each others weddings (I kid you not). This irks me no end.
However, my priority is not playing politics with any of these pricks (Labor, Liberals, or UNIONS NSW) – it is firmly on the rights of injured workers. I could care less how this comes about- just as long as it comes about.
I know I am willing jump on any bandwagon that leads to a right and just outcome.
Everybody now needs to be absolutely ruthless on airing the facts and doing this by any means necessary. Thank God for people like David Shoebridge, for example, I know from meeting him that he is very passionate about getting to the truth – hopefully now UNIONS NSW may be turning the same corner.
That is also the purpose of this blog, and I know None, this is exactly the type of justice you are seeking as well.