
Issue No 20		02 July 1999

News

WorkCover Scheme Has Passed Use-By Date

The NSW WorkCover scheme was an Industrial Age approach to workers compensation which has passed its used-by date, NSW Labor Council secretary Michael Costa says.

As the Carr Government this week delayed the transition of private underwriting of the troubled scheme, Costa gave his personal backing to a proposal to break the scheme into smaller industry funds.

Underwriting of the Scheme was to have been transferred to private insurers on October 1 this year, as recommended by the Grellman Inquiry, called in 1997 to look at ways of rescuing a scheme which had been bleeding since the Fahey years.

But the Workers Compensation Advisory Council, made up of union and employer representatives, asked for a 12 month deferral on the grounds that insurers were pushing for higher premiums and benefit cuts, while expecting an upfront profit.

Costa says the next 12 months provides an opportunity to look at more imaginative ways of dealing with the issue, particularly in light of the rapidly changing nature of the workplace.

He says a proposal by the CFMEU, to establish an industry scheme which tailors the collective of premiums to match the structure of the industry may have broader merit.

"This scheme may have gone as far as it can go," he told this week's Labor Council meeting. "It's was a great scheme for the Industrial Age but the complex nature of the new labour calls for an alternate approach."

"Breaking the WorkCover monolith into smaller industry-based tailored schemes will give a greater focus on OH&S, compliance and injury management.

"It's too difficult to do this effectively at an aggregated level."

Trade unions will now meet to look at pursuing alternative models for workers compensation."

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Issue 20 contents

Interview: They�re Not All Bastards
The Australian Industry Group�s Roger Boland is one employer representative who believes trade unions will continue to play an important role in the economy - and society - of the future.

Unions: Always the Pay is No Good
Fair Wear's campaign for clothing industry homeworkers is changing the way we think about consuming.

History: A Refreshing Advance
Women workers organising in the NSW Rail and Tramways Department Refreshment Rooms in the 1920s.

International: MAI Back on the Agenda
After being ditched in the wake of an international cyber-protest, the World Trade Organisation is trying to salvage the MAI from the ashes.

International: Courage Against the Odds
A Cuban trade union leader urges for a 30 year blockade to be lifted, with a fundraiser to be held this Thursday.

Review: Without You I'm Nothing
British pop music doesnt come any better than Placebo.

» Direct Links to Timor Militia Revealed

» Child Laws Cause School Camp, Sport Chaos

» False Advertising Complaint on Second Wave

» Its Official. Howard's Public Sector Cuts Hurt Everyone

» Hard-Hats Only as Builders Strip for Outworkers

» Unions Unite to Protect Jobs in the Bush

» Square Eyes Workplace Warning

» WorkCover Scheme Has Passed Use-By Date

» Bruised Not Beaten: FSU Battles On

» Gordonstone Miners Win Battle, But Robbed of Justice

» Currawong Spots Up For Grabs

» Workers Online Turns 21!

» Guest Report

» Sport

» Trades Hall

» Piers Watch

» Thanks from the Hyde Park Hyatt

» The Chant of a Jilted project Co-ordinator

» Have the Times Really Changed?

» You've Got to be Kidding!

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