
Issue No 96		18 May 2001

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WorkCover: Della Should Split the Package

The NSW Labor Council has called on the Carr Government to refer contentious elements of its workers compensation reform package to an independent inquiry.

The resolution unanimously endorsed by the Council's general meeting, calls on the Premier and Minister responsible, John Della Bosca, to set up the inquiry to deal with issues relating to common law claims.

It would be chaired by an independent person and include representatives of government, employers and the trade union movement. No changes to the existing common law provisions would be made until the inquiry was completed.

Meanwhile, the government would establish a separate process to ensure that any changes to the statutory scheme did not leave injured workers worse off.

Labor Council secretary Michael Costa told Labor Council delegates the separation of the reform package would allow agreed changes to proceed, while continuing to investigate issues in dispute.

While he says there are some positive proposals in changes to the statutory scheme - the government was still a "long, long way off" reaching agreement on common law claims

Costa says that under the extended timeline there would be no legislative amendments until late this year, meaning the government would have time to develop key reforms to employer compliance and workplace safety as part of the package.

Labor Council is seeking a response to their proposal from the government early next week. In the meantime, workers remain on alert to make May 29 a statewide day of industrial action.

The Labor Council resolution:

"The Government proceed with drafting amendments (based on the Working Party Reports) to the Statutory Scheme, subject to clarification on certain aspects of the new proposed Dispute Resolution process.

The process for the development of the Guidelines, Thresholds and Formula is subject to a proper review and scrutiny by the Labor Council of New South Wales before being introduced as part of the reforms.

In addition, it be agreed that under the proposed Guidelines, thresholds & formula, injured workers should not be disadvantaged as per their current entitlements.

In relation to Common Law an Inquiry be conducted and Chaired by an independent person. The inquiry should include representatives from the Employers, Unions and Government.

The terms of Reference for this inquiry would be

� Examining more efficient ways to process Common Law claims

� Reducing unnecessary cost and inefficiencies in the System

� Maintaining access to the System for seriously injured workers

� How to reduce the incentive for pursuing unnecessary Common Law actions

There should not be any amendments to the Common Law provision until the conclusion of this inquiry.

That the package should include satisfactory outcomes of compliance issues and injury management.

That this position be communicated to the Minister and the Premier with a request that they respond as a matter of urgency.

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  Issue 96 contents

Interview: The Enabler
On the eve of the release of his latest book, Beazley�s brain on the back-bench, Mark Latham, talks about putting the social back into socialism.

Unions: Flogged To Death
One third of Australian workers now work in conditions that would be deemed illegal in Europe. While in our workplaces so much is being done by so few with so little the Howard Government leans on its shovel reports Noel Hester.

Corporate: Nike's Six Broken Promises
A new international report on the labour practices at Nike have placed their stated commitment to ethical employment under the microscope.

International: Jagath at the Solidarity Cafe
When the brave workers at the Shangri-La Hotel in Jakarta marched on May Day, a Sydney unionist was by their side.

Education: The Battle for Free Thought
The recent sacking of Dr Ted Steele at the University of Wollongong has focused attention on the need for vigilant defence of employment rights and academic freedom.

History: Federation and Labour
The labour movement�s role in the 1897 Federal Convention and the subsequent referenda process has been largely forgotten.

Satire: Addict Stops Using Smack After Talk With Parents
A 21-year-old heroin addict has agreed to give up his habit after his parents told him that using drugs was wrong.

Review: Rouge or Red?
Mark Hebblewhite argues that the new Baz Luhrmann blockbuster isn't without its class analysis.

» WorkCover: Della Should Split the Package

» HIH Workers Win Severance Guarantee

» Abbott Runs From OEA Failure

» Angry Musos Aim Riffs at Della

» Second Prize In The Arnott�s Sell-Out

» Banks Workers Opt for People Over Pay

» Bosses Raise Stakes in State Wage Case

» Refugee Riots Sparked By Strike Action

» Vodafone Promotes It�s Own

» Champion Workers Left With Nothing

» Bid for Reasonable Hours to AIRC

» Political Economy Courses at Sydney University

» Activist Notebook

» The Soapbox

» The Locker Room

» Trades Hall

» Tool Shed

» New Editorial Guidelines

» Letter to Canberra

» A Fowler Smell

» Who Saved May Day?

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