Feedback from business suggests the administration of Workers Compensation involving three separate government agencies, the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), Insurance and Care NSW (icare) and SafeWork NSW is not working properly and is negatively impacting both employers and employees.
“The 2015 reform of the Workers Compensation system in NSW was necessary, however the administration of this reform has left a lot to be desired. We have reports of claims being approved without appropriate checks or investigations, lengthy delays and poor advice and support for both employers and employees,” said NSW Business Chamber CEO Stephen Cartwright.
“The promised efficiencies and professionalism from the split of functions simply haven’t eventuated. Some would argue they have declined and this is why we have requested a Post Implementation Review,” Mr Cartwright said.
“We’re hearing from employers across the state about poor claims management practices, causing lengthy delays in workers receiving necessary medical and rehabilitation services. Premiums are calculated on the time it takes to return an injured employee to the workplace, so these delays are unfairly inflating insurance costs.
“Employers should not be left holding the can for the inefficiencies of the claims management system of insurers, health practitioners or the wider workers compensation system.
“A Post Implementation Review is urgently required to identify where and how the system needs to be improved. This review is also required to address the lack of confidence of employers and employees in the administration of the system,” Mr Cartwright said.
