Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

Hanks QC Briefs VTHC Affiliates on 'Workers Compensation' Review

23 APRIL 2008
By BRIAN BOYD, VTHC SECRETARY

Peter Hanks QC is conducting the review of the Victorian Accident Compensation Act 1985.  He visited the Trades Hall today (23/4) with some members of his VWA secretariat staff to brief unions and answer questions.

The VTHC is a key member of the Stakeholders Reference Group (SRG) that is assisting Peter Hanks during the review process.

The VTHC has also prepared a substantial submission to the Inquiry. This has been prepared by a dedicated sub-committee of the VTHC Executive Council, set up when the Inquiry was announced in December last year.

The preparation of the submission has been particularly co-ordinated by Acting VTHC WorkCover Committee Convenor, Geoff Lewin (SPSF) and WorkCover Committee member Gwynneth Evans (AMIEU).  The scope of the review is focusing on:

. Provision of a fair and effective benefit and premium regime, having regard to workers’ compensation schemes in other jurisdictions
. Fundamental need to protect the operational and financial viability of the scheme
. Identifying and resolving anomalies in the Act and in the operation of the scheme
. Improving employer and employee understanding of the Act
. Reducing regulatory and administrative burden on employers
. Improving the usability of the legislation through the removal of inoperative, irrelevant or superfluous provisions

The VTHC submission is arguing amongst many other things, strongly for improvements in injured workers benefits and stronger return to work and rehabilitation provisions.

The final report to government is expected by July 2008.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PHOTO

Peter Hanks QC addresses a meeting of VTHC affiliates at Trades Hall on the Accident Compensation Act Review (23/4/08).


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