Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Ben Carroll has introduced the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 acting on recommendations from the 2022 independent review of WorkSafe Victoria’s management of complex workers’ compensation claims, led by Peter Rozen KC.
The ‘Rozen review’ identified many problems with the workers’ compensation scheme including unwarranted surveillance, cherry-picking medical evidence and, “in some cases, destroying lives”.
Elements of the new Bill include the framework to implement a Code of Claimants’ Rights and new obligations for employers to ensure that return-to-work coordinators complete approved training and are provided with the resources to fulfil their role.
The proposed changes would introduce a requirement for an independent review of the scheme at least every five years (commencing in 2030) and would provide for the appointment of persons with lived experience of serious workplace incidents to WorkSafe’s advisory committees.
Also included in the Bill is an increased services cap for eligible family members’ therapy and other services. The increased services cap of $10 000 will apply to family members of workers with an eligible injury or eligible progressive disease or upon a work-related death which occurs on or after the commencement date. The capped amount is shared amongst all family members of the worker, rather than applying for each individual family member. This entitlement will be accompanied by a lump-sum grief and loss payment for close family members of a worker who has died as a result of a work-related injury.
Victorian Trades Hall Council welcomes any positive move to improve the experiences and outcomes for injured workers dealing with the challenging process of the workers’ compensation system.
Minister Carroll said of the Bill, “No one plans to get injured at work – the Allan Government is standing with injured workers and their families, ensuring they are treated with the respect, care, and dignity they deserve in their toughest times.”
Read more: Delivering For Injured Workers And Their Families | Premier
Workplace Injury Rehabilitation & Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 | Explanatory Memo
