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WORKCOVER
A HOT
TOPIC
FOR THE
STATE
ELECTION
23
February 2010
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The
Liberals'
swift
release of
its
WorkCover
policy has
been
welcomed by
SA Unions
and
indicates
the depth of
public
concern
surrounding
the issue. |
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SA Unions
Secretary,
Janet Giles
says South
Australia
has the
costliest,
least fair
and most
poorly
managed
workers
compensation
scheme in
thenation. |
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"The impact
of these bad
laws is
undeniable.
People are
struggling
financially,
physically
and
emotionally.
Some have
lost their
homes.
Some have
even lost
their
lives." |
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"This
election is
a chance for
fairness to
be
restored",
Ms Giles
says. |
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"Injured
workers are
paying the
price of
unfair laws
that were
put forward
by Labor and
supported by
the
Liberals, so
both the
major
parties are
culpable.
But both
have the
chance to
right the
wrongs." |
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"The Liberal
policy
contains
some
concerns but
also some
constructive
improvements." |
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"In relation
to the
WorkCover
levy, SA
Unions is
not opposed
to a levy
reduction
provided
it occurs in
tandem with
improved
outcomes for
injured
workers.
We believe
it would be
highly
irresponsible
of the
Liberals to
advocate a
reduction in
the levy
while the
scheme is
still in
financial
difficulty,
and utterly
immortal
while
workers'
rights are
not
restored." |
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On the
positive
side of the
ledger, we
welcome the
Liberal
pledge to
ensure an
early review
of the
current
unfair laws,
improved
case
management
of injured
workers and
removal of
the unfair
system of
payments for
loss of
limbs or
body
function." |
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"Overall, we
think that
the Liberal
policy
offers some
improvements
on the
current
system, but
it doesn't
go far
enough to
redress the
balance and
ensure that
workers are
treated
fairly.
It remains
biased
towards
employers
who have
already
benefited
enormously
form the
past changes
to the law",
Ms Giles
says. |
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"We call on
the ALP to
swiftly
release its
WorkCover
position to
give voters
ample
opportunity
to
accurately
compare the
positions of
both the
major
parties." |
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"Labor
legislated
the worst
workers
compensation
laws in the
nation, yet
its party
policy
position is
actually
very good.
We call on
the ALP to
commit to
implement
its platform
position as
one of its
key election
pledges", Ms
Giles says. |
