“We congratulate the VWA Board and senior management who have proved that an injured workers compensation system that delivers access to common law and decent permanent injury benefits and provides employers with record low premiums can be sustainable”, said Trades Hall Secretary Brian Boyd.
Trades Hall is adamant however that the Government and the VWA must use its position of full funding and record profit to fix some hotspots before again slashing premiums.
Trades Hall also welcomed the announcement by Minister John Lenders that a team of Compensation Inspectors was to be established to ensure compliance with injured workers rehabilitation and compensation legislation.
“We have called for Compensation Inspectors, separate from Health and Safety Inspectors, for a number of years”, said Mr Boyd. “Up until now the VWA has found it difficult to gain an independent view on compliance with workers compensation laws. The small trial group announced today by Minister Lenders is a good starting point for monitoring adherence with importance laws.”
While profits are up the numbers of workers submitting WorkCover claims continues to stagnate at around 32,000 each year.
“It is the strong position of Victoria’s unions that following another good financial result the Government must not again reward employers mediocrity by lowing premiums”, said Mr Boyd.