THE Sunshine Coast Business Council has applauded the changes to the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act, saying it will provide significant benefits for local businesses.
Council chairwoman Sandy Zubrinich said the changes would provide better protection for employers who had long been bearing the brunt of compensation costs.
The Newman government’s changes will require workers injured on the job to have an impairment of at least 5% “whole person impairment” to make a claim.
“We believe these amendments provide an environment where workers who have suffered a genuine injury can access financial support, while local businesses are offered some protection from being crippled by excessive and outlandish claims as well as significantly escalating premiums,” Ms Zubrinich said.
She said businesses would benefit “with insurance premiums estimated to drop by up to 13%, employers having access to a job applicant’s injury history and heavier penalties for workers lodging fraudulent claims”.
“We believe the playing field has been levelled somewhat, resulting in a more fair and equitable system for all stakeholders,” she said.
“Businesses cannot continue to carry these costs and we commend the State Government for curtailing the very generous scheme of the past.
“What we need right now is encouragement for businesses to take on more staff to drive down unemployment and these reforms will definitely make it more attractive for businesses to do so.”
Source: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/business-delight-at-compo-cutback/2057025/