[Greens-Media] Stab in the dark compo reforms exposed

[David Shoebridge]

Stab in the dark compo reforms exposed
Media Release - 2 November 2012 
 
In answers to questions on notice in Budget Estimates, the NSW Government has revealed it has no idea how many injured workers will be forced out of the NSW compensation scheme following the brutal benefit cuts made in June this year. 
 
Greens NSW MP and Industrial Relations spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
 
"When asked the projected number of workers thrown out of the compo scheme due to the recent amendments, the Government had no answer. 
 
"They also had no answer to how many workers would lose medical benefits and how many were projected to return to work as a result of the benefit cuts. 
 
"They claimed these reforms would help injured workers return to work, yet when asked for evidence of this they have no answer. 
 
"When asked what the projected return to work rates will be under the scheme in less than 12 months time, the Minister admitted this information was not available. 
 
 "The most obvious reason why they do not have projections for how many workers will be thrown off the scheme is that they do not want to know. 
 
"The brutal cuts will do nothing to get injured workers back safely to work, and are set to leave thousands living below the poverty line. 
 
"The changes made by the O'Farrell Government are hitting injured workers hard, and the Government cannot even be bothered to track the effect of their cuts. 
 
"This Government's proven financial incompetence strikes again, and once more the people of NSW are paying the price" Mr Shoebridge said.
 
Media contact: Mark Riboldi 9230 3030 | 0433 753 376
 
Questions and Answers from Budget Estimates
 
5a. What are the current projections for the number of injured workers in receipt of Medical expenses as at 30/6/13? 
Answer This information is not yet available. 
 
5b. What are the current projections for the number of injured workers in receipt of weekly payments as at 30/6/13? 
Answer This information is not yet available. 
 
6. How do the numbers in 5a and 5b differ from those in 30/07/12? 
Answer This information is not yet available. 
 
7. How have return to work rates for the scheme changes over each of the Financial Years from 2002-2012? 
Answer I am advised that the Return to Work Rates have been relatively stable over that period. 
 
8. What are the projected return to work rates for the 2013 Financial Year? 
Answer This information is not yet available. 
 
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Full listing of Questions and Answers is available here: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/525e3d76f19669e1ca257aa9001f0423/$FILE/Answers%20to%20Supplementary%20question_Finance%20Services,%20The%20Illawarra.pdf 
Read more about the changes to the NSW workers' compensation scheme online here: http://davidshoebridge.org.au/2012/06/22/barry-ofarrells-cuts-to-workers-compensation-get-the-facts/ 
 
 

 
David Shoebridge
Greens MP in the NSW Legislative Council
P: (02) 9230 3030 |Media: 0433 753 376 |T: @ShoebridgeMLC ( http://twitter.com/#!/shoebridgemlc )
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