The hits keep coming.
The email is evidence that the NSW Government’s cuts to workers compensation have emboldened employer groups to push for even deeper cuts to the entitlements of sick and injured workers.
The leaked correspondence shows that after a request from the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries, WorkCover changed its position on the accrual of annual leave by people on workers compensation.
The email, sent on Friday, 20 July by a senior WorkCover official states:
“I understand that this is a reversal of what has previously been the advice given by WorkCover to to employers, workers and others.
“The EMSU team are currently responding to a specific query from the AFEI on this issue, drafting a letter to them confirming the above changed position and also drafting a brief to the Minister’s Office advising of the above position…”
Unions NSW Secretary, Mark Lennon, said the fact that policy was being framed by the demands of employers and insurers was a worrying sign.
“Employers and WorkCover are receiving signals from the State Government that it’s OK to further attack the rights and entitlements of sick and injured workers,” Mr Lennon said.
“The State Government needs to intervene and restore balance to WorkCover’s activities.
“It’s disturbing that an independent statutory authority could be perceived as taking its orders from the employer lobby.
“Unfortunately, this is what happens when a Government give the business lobby carte blanche to pursue its agenda.”
[Source: http://lcnsw.labor.net.au/unionnet/press-releases/leaked-email-reveals-employers-want-further-cuts-sick-and-injured-workers-of]
http://wp.me/p1MA9G-32n
Of course they back this idea
It helps them to disable us further
hence more pressure via financial sanctions
Head of the EMSU (Executive and Ministerial Services Unit) is someone I consider to be a piece of filth: Craig McBride.
The EMSU is WorkCover’s spin unit.
*4267 FINANCE—POLITICISATION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE – WORKCOVER NSW—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Planning, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Police, and Minister for Finance—
(1) Regarding an email dated 18 February 2010 titled Survey HFN, from Mr Craig McBride to Ms Jodie Deaks which states:
“FYI I have a attached a copy of the Dixer we prepared that is with the CEO for approval”.
(a) What is the role of Mr McBride at WorkCover, is he employed as a political advisor on the Minister’s staff or as a public servant within WorkCover NSW?
(2) Regarding an email dated 18 February 2010 from Ms Jodi Deaks indicating that Mr McBride’s “Dixer” was incorrect and that:
“the indicators were not about advisory approach it was across enforcement⁄response (complaints, incidents, verification) and advice (WAFS, workshops). This message indicates that it was a measurement of our advisory approach which in (sic) not correct”.
(a) Is information being manipulated and being prepared inaccurately for political purposes and media spin by Workcover officers?
(3) What will the Minister do to ensure that WorkCover Officers do not misuse public resources for political purposes and ensure that all information to the public and Parliament is accurate, correct and not misleading?
Answer—
Mr Craig McBride is the Manager of WorkCover’s Executive and Ministerial Services Unit. The Unit provides support services including the management of correspondence and preparation of briefings and other parliamentary documents.
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/lc/lcpaper.nsf/0/EB80E57E9DD395D8CA257735004C18D9/$file/Q100601.152.pdf