THE NSW government has announced its implementation plan for its controversial new workers compensation reforms.
NSW Rolls Out Workcover Changes
Finance Minister Greg Pearce says the reforms will be carried out in several stages .
Workers injured after October 1 will receive benefits under the new legislation while all other injured workers will move to the new scheme from January 1, 2013.
Guidelines on the WorkCover reforms will be published next month.
The changes adopt many of the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry which called for major changes to rein in a deficit of more than $4 billion, which the government says risks pushing up premiums by 28 per cent.
Among the changes, weekly benefits will be reduced after 13 weeks, replacing the current system of a 100 per cent payout for 26 weeks.
http://wp.me/p1MA9G-391
And a WARM WELCOME to our brand spanking new official co-author Rescape, yeah!!! Good job!
Workcover advise:
“Getting back to work
In most cases, you do not need to be 100 per cent recovered to return to work. Getting back to work early is an important part of your recovery. Under the changes, work capacity assessments will be introduced to give you and your employer a better understanding of your capacity to work.”
What it means for injured worker:
You must return to work even if you have recovered 1 per cent. Work capacity assessment will give you an opportunity to better understand your capacity to work, so increase your knowledge. However, your entitlements would stop in any circumstances.
Workcover advise:
“Who can I talk to?
You can talk to your insurer, your employer, doctor and health care professionals about how you can safely return to work. You can also contact WorkCover on 13 10 50.”
What it means for injured worker:
You must refrain yourself from talking to a solicitor about your case.
Workcover advise:
“We will keep you informed
The legislation is taking effect in stages. The WorkCover website will be regularly updated with more information as it become available. Visit workcover.nsw.gov.au”
What it means for injured worker:
We are still learning what kind of law we have managed to pass. Once we understand, we let you know too.
Workcover advise:
“A legal stakeholder reference group is considering the impact of the new legislation on the provision of legal services under the scheme and is preparing an issues paper for public discussion.”
What it means for injured worker:
You are no longer entitled for legal assistance. It has already been decided. As you know we do not believe in public discussions and therefore we left it to legal stakeholder reference group to prepare an issue paper. It will keep them busy.
What a load of crap…and what happens when you are forced back to work and you suffer another injury because of being forced back? Good news is that because this law is so totally unworkable, it gives decent lawyers the time to mount a case against it.