New workers’ compensation laws a step closer

Safe Work Australia will establish a Strategic Issues Group on Workers’ Compensation to facilitate the development of harmonised workers compensation laws.

The Strategic Issues Group on Workers’ Compensation (SIG-Workers’ Compensation) will guide and advise on the overall strategic planning and policy development for national workers’ compensation arrangements.

The SIG–Workers’ Compensation group will:

•    Provide advice on the identification and assessment of strategic issues that will improve national workers’ compensation arrangements across jurisdictions
•    Provide advice on the development and resolution of issues relating to national workers’ compensation policy for employers with operations in more than one jurisdiction
•    Provide advice on the development and implementation of the National Workers’ Compensation Action Plan, and
•    Develop, harmonise and enhance national comparative information on workers’ compensation arrangements.

Workers’ compensation stakeholders and experts will be invited to participate in shaping a national action plan.

SAFE Work Australia members and the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council will formally consider the action plan later in 2010.

Members agreed to hold a strategic planning day on February 18, followed by a Members’ meeting the following day.

A National Workers’ Compensation Forum is also planned for March 30-31 this year.

For more information visit: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au