BEATTIE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES FIGHT FOR QLD WORKERS’ RIGHTS
Published Tuesday, 28 August, 2007 at 08:00 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Far North Queenslanders’ access to one of the best workers’ compensation systems in the country is threatened under the Federal Government’s Work Choices system, Employment and Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel said today.
Mr Mickel was in Cairns today to launch an advertising campaign highlighting Queensland’s superior workers’ compensation scheme.
“The Queensland Government will not stand by while the Prime Minister tries to sabotage Queenslanders’ rights when it comes to workers’ compensation,” Mr Mickel said.
“WorkCover Queensland is among the most generous for employees and offers the lowest premiums of any state in Australia – including the federal Comcare scheme.
“A recent independent study found that under Comcare, Queensland claimants would receive 20 per cent less and Comare’s employer costs were 39 per cent more than WorkCover Queensland.
“This is not good enough and the Queensland Government will continue to fight against Work Choices to ensure Queenslanders get a fair go.”
Mr Mickel said Queensland’s scheme looked after the interests of workers– workers such as Cairns woman Lucinda Gear.
Lucinda was injured in April 2006, her medical rehabilitation and training for a new job was supported by WorkCover for 15 months.
Lucinda was a hotel restaurant supervisor at the time of her injury – her elbow was hit by a swinging door as she bent down to open a bar fridge resulting in a radial nerve compression.
Unable to return to her previous job due to the nature of work, she sought new employment with a real estate firm, her training was supported by WorkCover.
“The whole process was very smooth and getting some training to be able return to the workforce full time was excellent. The staff were fantastic and offered good emotional support during what was a difficult period for me,” Mrs Gear said.
Mr Mickel said employers also benefited from WorkCover Queensland’s excellent support of workers.
It had recorded Australia's lowest average premium rate for seven years straight, dropping in May this year to $1.15 per $100 in wages, saving Queensland businesses more than $30 million a year.
“WorkCover Queensland also has the lowest rate of disputed claims in Australia at just 3.8 per cent in 2005-06, compared to the national average of 9.2 per cent – giving Queenslanders even more peace of mind," he said.
“Anyway you look at it, the state scheme is the standout.
“WorkCover's simpler approach to disputed claims meant 90 per cent had been resolved within three months.
“WorkCover is also offering employers flexible payment options, including 3 per cent discount if paid in full by 16 September, and interest-free periodic payments.
“This effectively reduces the average premium even further.”
WorkCover Queensland has the highest levels of benefits in Australia for work-related fatalities.
“But it's much more than that,” Mr Mickel said.
“Queensland workers are protected by comprehensive workplace standards and compliance which is overseen by 250 inspectors so the issue of safety at work is being addressed by making our workplaces safer and looking after Queenslanders who may get insured.”
Mr Mickel said the new advertising campaign promoting WorkCover Queensland would run until September 29.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion on 3224 6784
August 28, 2007
Mr Mickel was in Cairns today to launch an advertising campaign highlighting Queensland’s superior workers’ compensation scheme.
“The Queensland Government will not stand by while the Prime Minister tries to sabotage Queenslanders’ rights when it comes to workers’ compensation,” Mr Mickel said.
“WorkCover Queensland is among the most generous for employees and offers the lowest premiums of any state in Australia – including the federal Comcare scheme.
“A recent independent study found that under Comcare, Queensland claimants would receive 20 per cent less and Comare’s employer costs were 39 per cent more than WorkCover Queensland.
“This is not good enough and the Queensland Government will continue to fight against Work Choices to ensure Queenslanders get a fair go.”
Mr Mickel said Queensland’s scheme looked after the interests of workers– workers such as Cairns woman Lucinda Gear.
Lucinda was injured in April 2006, her medical rehabilitation and training for a new job was supported by WorkCover for 15 months.
Lucinda was a hotel restaurant supervisor at the time of her injury – her elbow was hit by a swinging door as she bent down to open a bar fridge resulting in a radial nerve compression.
Unable to return to her previous job due to the nature of work, she sought new employment with a real estate firm, her training was supported by WorkCover.
“The whole process was very smooth and getting some training to be able return to the workforce full time was excellent. The staff were fantastic and offered good emotional support during what was a difficult period for me,” Mrs Gear said.
Mr Mickel said employers also benefited from WorkCover Queensland’s excellent support of workers.
It had recorded Australia's lowest average premium rate for seven years straight, dropping in May this year to $1.15 per $100 in wages, saving Queensland businesses more than $30 million a year.
“WorkCover Queensland also has the lowest rate of disputed claims in Australia at just 3.8 per cent in 2005-06, compared to the national average of 9.2 per cent – giving Queenslanders even more peace of mind," he said.
“Anyway you look at it, the state scheme is the standout.
“WorkCover's simpler approach to disputed claims meant 90 per cent had been resolved within three months.
“WorkCover is also offering employers flexible payment options, including 3 per cent discount if paid in full by 16 September, and interest-free periodic payments.
“This effectively reduces the average premium even further.”
WorkCover Queensland has the highest levels of benefits in Australia for work-related fatalities.
“But it's much more than that,” Mr Mickel said.
“Queensland workers are protected by comprehensive workplace standards and compliance which is overseen by 250 inspectors so the issue of safety at work is being addressed by making our workplaces safer and looking after Queenslanders who may get insured.”
Mr Mickel said the new advertising campaign promoting WorkCover Queensland would run until September 29.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion on 3224 6784
August 28, 2007