Based on similar obligations in Victorian workers' compensation legislation, South Australia has introduced The Return to Work (Employment and Progressive Injuries) Amendment Bill 2024 which proposes significant changes to employer duties regarding injured workers.
It aims to improve cooperation between employers and labour-hire providers for suitable re-deployment options for injured workers, particularly in sectors with high labour-hire usage where ‘some of the worst return-to-work outcomes’ are found.
According to SA’s Industrial relations Minister, the bill clarifies duties for self-insured companies and enhances benefits for workers with dust diseases and terminal illnesses. It empowers the South Australian Employment Tribunal to address disputes effectively and ensures fairer outcomes for workers.
Source: OHS Alert, 17 April