Go Up, More Information, More Surveillance

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Industrial Relations

Media Statement - 25 May 2000

The ACT Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Workers' Compensation has made 14 recommendations following its deliberations on the system which operates in the private sector in the ACT.

The Committee of Wayne Berry (Chair), Paul Osborne (Deputy Chair) and Greg Cornwell was formed in 1999 to inquire into and report on the operation of the workers' compensation system in the ACT. Its terms of reference were altered in December 1999 to add consideration of the Workers' Compensation Amendment Bill 1999 which among other things sets out a new regime of increased penalties.

Committee Chair, Wayne Berry MLA said the 14 recommendations would go a long way towards improving the ACT private sector workers' compensation system by addressing the underreporting of wages by employers.

In essence the majority of the Committee recommended steeper punishment, more surveillance of employers and early action by the Government to establish a proper database in order that workers' compensation related matters can be monitored more closely.

On the evidence given to the Committee it appears that under-reporting of wages by some employers costs those who accurately report their wages by reducing the pool of funds available for claims. This means that all employers end up paying more in premiums because of non-compliance with their obligations by some.

If adopted many of the recommendations will regrettably make workers' compensation compliance more onerous on all employers because of the actions of those who fail to accurately report their obligations under the Workers' Compensation Act," Mr Berry concluded.