Tasmanian Bills Clause Notes Tasmanian Bills Clause Notes[Index] [Search] [Download] [Bill] [Help]
WORKERS REHABILITATION AND
COMPENSATION AMENDMENT BILL 2009
CLAUSE NOTES 1
Clause 1 Short title
This clause provides that the short title of the
amending legislation is the Workers
Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Act
2009.
Clause 2 Commencement
This clause provides that the amendments are
to commence on a date to be proclaimed. It is
expected that this will be 1 July 2010. The
delay in the commencement date is necessary
to:
· allow insurers to factor the legislative
amendments into their premium
calculations; and
· provide some lead time to enable
employers to budget for any premium
increases that may flow from the
changes.
Clause 3 Principal Act
This clause provides that the Principal Act
referred to in this Bill is the Workers
Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (the
Act).
Clause 4 Long title amended
This clause amends the long title to clarify that
the Act also has an injury prevention focus.
This amendment is necessary to make the long
1
In these clause notes:
RTWIMM means the WorkCover Tasmania Board's Return to Work and Injury Management Model
Clayton report means The Review of the Tasmanian Workers Compensation System by Alan
Clayton (September 2007)
1
title consistent with new objects section
(section 2A) inserted by clause 5. (refer to the
clause note for clause 5 below).
Clause 5 Section 2A inserted
This clause inserts a new provision (section 2A)
to establish a set of objects for the Act in
relation to the workers rehabilitation and
compensation scheme. These objects are
intended to be aspirational in nature and
include:
· providing for the prompt and effective
management of workplace injuries to
promote and assist return to work of
injured workers as soon as possible;
· providing fair and appropriate
compensation to injured workers and
their dependants;
· assisting in securing the health, safety and
welfare of workers and in reducing the
incidence of workplace injuries;
· providing an effective and economical
mechanism for resolving disputes;
· providing a scheme which is fair and
affordable and efficiently and effectively
administered.
Clause 6 Section 3 amended (Interpretation)
This clause inserts the following new definitions
in section 3 of the Act the interpretation
provision:
"primary treating medical practitioner"
this is a new term referring to the medical
practitioner chosen by the worker to be the
worker's primary treating medical practitioner
in accordance with section 143G(1).
"workplace injury" This is a new term that
is used in various sections to make it clear that
an injury means an injury for which the
employer is or may be liable.
2
"workplace rehabilitation provider"
This is a new term that describes a person,
which may be an organisation, that is
accredited under section 77C to provide
workplace rehabilitation services.
"workplace rehabilitation services" - This
is a new term that describes a range of services
that can only be provided for the purposes of
the Act by a person accredited by the Board
under section 77C. These include:
· initial workplace rehabilitation
assessment;
· functional capacity assessment;
· workplace assessment;
· job analysis;
· advice concerning job modification;
· rehabilitation counselling;
· vocational assessment;
· advice or assistance in relation to job
seeking;
· advice or assistance in arranging
vocational re-education or training;
· any other service that is prescribed by
the regulations.
Clause 7 Section 10 amended (Functions of Board)
This clause makes a minor amendment to
section 10(f) of the Act.
Section 10 sets out the functions of the
WorkCover Tasmania Board (the Board).
Under the existing section 10(f), the Board has
the function of promoting and supporting the
effective injury management of injured workers.
Under this amendment, this function has simply
been re-worded to reflect the proposed new
Part XI to be inserted in the Act relating to
injury management (refer to the clause note for
clause 47 below).
3
The proposed section 10(f) will provide that
the Board is to promote and support the
principles of the proposed new Part XI.
Clause 8 Section 22 amended (Record of Tribunal)
This clause makes a minor, administrative
amendment to section 22(1)(d) of the Act to
reflect that the Workers Rehabilitation and
Compensation Tribunal (the Tribunal) no
longer records proceedings on tape but uses
electronic recordings instead.
(Refer also to clause note for clause 13 below)
Clause 9 Section 33A inserted
This clause inserts a new provision section
33A.
This proposed new provision arises from the
Board's Return to Work and Injury
Management Model (RTWIMM) and is intended
to facilitate an injured worker in making a claim
for workers compensation.
It imposes a requirement on an employer to
provide an injured worker with a notice within
14 days of being informed by the worker that
he or she has suffered an injury at work.
The notice is to be prescribed in the
Regulations to ensure accuracy and
consistency, and will provide information about
making a claim for workers compensation,
including the time limits within which a claim
must be made.
Clause 10 Section 36 amended (Employer to
forward accident report and claim)
This clause amends section 36 of the Act by
inserting three new subsections subsection
(1A), subsection (4) and subsection (5).
4
These proposed new subsections are intended
to encourage timeliness of claims reporting by
employers. Research indicates that long lag
times between claim lodgment and reporting to
the insurer results in poor return to work
outcomes and higher costs to the workers
compensation scheme (Reference - Timeliness of
Claims Reporting, by the Workers Rehabilitation
and Compensation Section, Workplace Standards
Tasmania (released 27 August 2002))
Early reporting of claims is a key element of the
RTWIMM and is also raised as an important
issue in the Clayton report. The earlier the
insurer becomes aware of a claim for workers
compensation, the sooner it can commence
injury management processes to assist the
worker's recovery and return to work.
The amendments made by this clause seek to
encourage early reporting of claims by placing a
financial impost on employers who do not
report within the required period.
Under the proposed new subsection (1A), an
employer must notify its insurer of a claim
within 48 hours of receiving it. There is no
requirement as to how this notification is to
occur which allows flexibility, i.e., notification
could be by telephone, facsimile or electronic
mail.
The proposed new subsection (4) provides that
if an employer does not make the notification
within 48 hours, the employer's insurer is not
liable to indemnify the employer for any weekly
payments the employer is liable to pay to the
injured worker for the "relevant period", i.e.,
the employer cannot recover those costs from
the insurer.
The proposed new subsection (5) clarifies that
the "relevant period" begins at the end of the
48 hour period referred to in subsection (1A)
5
and ends on the day on which the employer
notifies the insurer of the claim.
It should be noted that under section 97(1A) of
the Act, an employer cannot insure against
liability for the first weekly payment and $200
of any other benefits payable under the Act.
This is commonly known as the employer
excess. The `penalty' to be imposed by the
proposed new section 36(4) is additional to the
employer excess.
For example, Worker A is injured at 4.30pm
on a Thursday, attends a medical practitioner
that day and remains off work on the Friday.
The following Monday, he attends work to fill
in a workers compensation claim and provides
a certificate from his medical practitioner
certifying him to be totally incapacitated for
one week. His employer does not notify the
insurer of the claim until 72 hours later. In
addition to the employer excess under section
97(1A) (the first weekly payment), the
employer is also liable to pay one additional day
of weekly compensation under the proposed
new section 36(4) and (5) as the insurer was
notified 24 hours late. The insurer is not liable
to indemnify the employer for this additional
day of weekly compensation.
Clause 11 Section 38 amended (Effect of failure to
make claim)
This clause amends section 38 as a
consequence of the requirements in the
proposed new section 33A (refer to clause note
above for clause 9).
Section 38 provides that a worker's failure to
make a claim within the prescribed time limits
(in most cases - 6 months from the date of
injury) does not affect the validity of the claim if
it was due to mistake, absence from the State
or other reasonable cause. Under this
amendment, the worker will have reasonable
6
cause if the employer did not comply with the
proposed new section 33A.
Clause 12 Section 39 substituted
This clause replaces section 39 of the Act with
a proposed new provision.
The existing section 39 relates to agreements
to settle. Under this Bill, the provision relating
to agreements to settle has been amended
substantially and moved to Part X Division 1
(Concurrent rights to compensation and
damages) (see clause note on clause 44 below
proposed new section 132A).
The proposed new section 39 originates from
the RTWIMM and is intended to encourage
greater communication between the
employer/insurer and the worker and to
provide the worker with information at an
early stage about the status of his or her
workers compensation claim.
Under the current system, an employer has 84
days within which to dispute a claim. There is
no obligation to let the worker know what is
going on within this 84-day period. This means
that an injured worker could be waiting for a
relatively long period after lodging a claim (up
to 12 weeks) before finding out what is
happening with the claim. This can be very
stressful for the worker.
The proposed new section 39 addresses this
issue by requiring the employer or insurer to
provide the worker with a written notice
within 28 days of receiving the claim. The
notice is to include whether a decision has
been made in relation to liability for the claim,
and if not, the reasons why the decision has not
been made and the steps that the employer or
insurer intends taking before making the
decision. This will ensure that the worker has
some indication at a reasonably early stage of
7
what is happening with his or her claim.
Clause 13 Section 56 amended (Provisions relating
to evidence and production of
documents)
This clause makes a number of minor,
administrative amendments to section 56.
Subsections (2), (3), and (4) are amended to
reflect that the Tribunal no longer records
proceedings on tape, but instead makes
electronic recordings.
In addition, subsection (4) is amended to
change the time period that the Tribunal must
keep recordings of proceedings. Under the
current provision, recordings are to be kept for
6 years. The amended subsection will require
recordings to be kept for a period of 12
months or such longer period as determined by
the Tribunal. This is in line with the
corresponding requirements in the Supreme
Court (Supreme Court Rules, Rule 591).
Clause 14 Section 67 amended (Amount of
compensation in case of death)
This clause is intended to increase the
maximum amount of lump sum compensation
payable to dependents of a deceased worker.
The proposed amendments will implement a
Clayton report recommendation that the
maximum lump be increased to $250,000.
The current maximum is 369 units which is
equal to $223,824.33. A unit is the amount
represented by the `Basic salary'. The Basic
salary is indexed annually according to
percentage movement in the average weekly
ordinary full-time earnings of adults in Tasmania
as published by the Australian Statistician.
Based on the 2009 Basic salary of $606.57, to
8
increase the maximum lump sum payment to
$250,000, the number of units needs to be
increased to 415 units.
Subsection (1) is amended to reflect that an
employer may be liable for a lump sum not
exceeding 415 units where a worker dies as a
result of an injury.
Subsection 2(a) is amended to increase the
lump sum payable to a wholly dependant
spouse or wholly dependent caring partner
from 369 units to 415 units.
Subsection 2(c) is amended to increase the
lump sum payable to a wholly dependent child
or children where there is no dependent
spouse or caring partner. The lump sum is to
be 415 units.
Subsection (3) provides for the payment of a
lump sum, not exceeding the maximum that
reflects the degree of dependency of the
dependent of the deceased worker. The
amendment increases the maximum to 415
units.
Clause 15 Section 67A amended (Weekly payments
in case of death)
This clause makes a number of amendments to
section 67A of the Act in relation to weekly
payments to dependents.
Section 67A provides for the payment of
weekly payments to a spouse or caring partner
and to a dependent child.
Under this clause, subsection (1)(b) is amended
to increase the weekly payment payable to a
dependent child from $60.65 (10% of Basic
Salary) to $90.98 (15% Basic salary). This
amendment will implement Clayton report
recommendation No 14.
9
Subsection 2 provides for the payment of
weekly payments to a dependent spouse or
caring partner for a period of 2 years following
the death of a worker. The payments are
reduced or subject to a `step down' after
certain periods and are aligned with weekly
payments paid to injured workers under
section 69B of the Act. Subsection (2) is being
amended as a consequence of proposed
changes to section 69B (Refer to the clause note
for clause 17 below)
Subsection (2)(a) is amended to move the first
step-down from 13 weeks after the death of
the worker to 26 weeks after the death.
Subsection (2)(b) is amended to reduce the size
of the first step-down to 90% of normal weekly
earnings rather than 85%.
Subsection (2)(b) is also amended to reflect
that the step-down is to apply from 26 weeks
after death rather than 13 weeks.
Therefore, under these amendments, the
spouse or caring partner of a deceased worker
will receive 100% of the deceased worker's
normal weekly earnings for the first 26 weeks
following the death of the worker, 90% of
normal weekly earnings from weeks 27 to 78,
and then 80% from week 79 to 2 years.
Clause 16 Section 69 amended (Amount of
compensation in case of incapacity)
This clause amends section 69(3) to clarify the
application of the provision.
Section 69(3) provides for the indexation of
weekly payments.
The Act provides a number of methods of
calculating a worker's weekly payment to
address different circumstances and to ensure
that a fair rate can be determined.
10
Under this clause, section 69(3) is amended to
remove any doubt that the subsection applies
no matter what method was used to determine
the weekly payment. In all cases a worker's
weekly payment is to be increased or
decreased by the percentage change in the
ordinary hourly rate of pay that the worker is
entitled to under the worker's contract of
employment or industrial instrument.
Clause 17 Section 69B amended (Period for which
benefits are payable)
This clause makes a number of amendments to
section 69B to change the level of weekly
payments and extend the period of entitlement
for workers with serious injury.
The amendments are as follows:
Subsection (1)(a) is amended to move the first
step-down from 13 weeks of incapacity for
work to 26 weeks of incapacity. Note - the
period of incapacity includes both total and
partial incapacity.
Subsection (1)(b) is amended to reduce the size
of the first step-down to 90% (or to 95% if
subsection (2) applies) of the weekly payment
rather than 85%.
Subsection (1)(b) is also amended to reflect
that the first step-down is to apply after 26
weeks of incapacity rather than 13 weeks.
Subsection (1)(c) is replaced by a new
subsection that makes two changes to the
current arrangements. Under the proposed
new paragraph (c), a worker who is
incapacitated for more than 78 weeks is subject
to a step-down to 80% of the weekly payment
unless section 69(2) applies. Where subsection
(2) applies (refer to the clause note for subsection
(2) below) the weekly payment is reduced to
11
85%.
The proposed new paragraph (c) also provides
for the extension of weekly payments beyond 9
years where a worker has a whole person
impairment of greater than 15%. Currently,
entitlement to weekly payment ceases at 9
years after the date of the initial incapacity.
The extension of the period of entitlement
based on the level of impairment was one of
three options proposed in the Clayton report
as a means of providing longer term income
support to seriously injured workers. Under
this clause, the amended periods of entitlement
are as follows:
· a worker with an impairment of at least
15% but less than 20% is entitled to
weekly payments for up to 12 years of
incapacity;
· a worker with an impairment of at least
20% but less than 30% - up to 20 years
· a worker with an impairment of 30% or
above - the entitlement continues until
the worker reaches the age restrictions
imposed by section 87 (i.e. for most
workers this would be age 65 however
section 87 provides for an extension
beyond this age in some circumstances).
Subsection (2) is replaced by a new subsection
to provide the circumstances in which a
worker becomes entitled to a higher rate of
weekly payment. The intention is that where a
worker is able to return to some form of work
but his or her employer is unable or unwilling
to provide alternative duties then the worker
should not suffer the full extent of the step-
down that would otherwise apply after 26
weeks and 78 weeks of incapacity. If these
circumstances apply the step-down is
discounted by 50%, i.e., instead of "stepping-
down" to 90% after 26 weeks, the worker will
step-down to 95%, and instead of "stepping
down" to 80% after 78 weeks, the worker will
step-down to 85%.
12
A new subsection (subsection (2A)) is inserted
to provide an additional return to work
incentive. Under this proposed new subsection
a worker's weekly payment is not subject to
the step-downs in subsection (1)(b) or (c)
during any period the worker has returned to
work for 50% or more of the workers normal
weekly hours.
Three new subsections (subsections (2B),(2C)
and (2D)) are inserted to specify how a
workers `normal weekly hours' are calculated.
The proposed new subsection (2B) provides
that where a worker has been employed for
more than 14 days before becoming
incapacitated, the worker's normal weekly
hours are the worker's average hours per
week worked with that employer.
The proposed new subsection (2C) provides
that where a worker has been employed for 14
days or less, the worker's normal weekly hours
are the hours the worker agreed to work in
the pay period in which the incapacity occurred
or the hours the worker was rostered to
perform in that period, whichever is greater.
The proposed new subsection (2D) provides
that any hours of overtime or excess hours are
not to be taken into account in calculating
normal weekly hours unless the overtime
meets the criteria specified in the subsection.
For example, where overtime was irregular it
will not be included in the calculation.
A new subsection (subsection (2E)) - is inserted
to clarify that the periods of entitlement
specified in subsection 1(c) are qualified by the
age restriction imposed by section 87 of the
Act.
13
Clause 18 Section 70 amended (Computation of
normal weekly earnings)
This clause rectifies an anomaly in section
70(2)(d) by replacing an erroneous reference
to paragraph (c) (which no longer exists) with
the correct reference paragraph (b).
Clause 19 Section 71 amended (Compensation for
permanent impairment)
This clause amends section 71 to increase the
maximum lump sum for permanent impairment
to approximately $250,000 and to provide
lump sum compensation where an injury results
in the loss of a foetus.
Subsection (1)(b) sets out the formula used to
calculate the amount of lump sum
compensation payable for different levels of
impairment. This clause amends the formula to
increase the maximum lump sum to $250,000
as recommended in the Clayton report.
Subsection (1)(c) provides that the maximum
lump sum paid where a workers level of whole
person impairment is equal to or above 70% is
369 units. A unit is equal to the basic salary
which is indexed annually according to
percentage movement in the average weekly
ordinary full-time earnings of adults in Tasmania
as published by the Australian Statistician.
Based on the 2009 Basic salary of $606.57 the
new maximum is represented by 415 units.
Subsection (1)(c) is amended to make this
increase.
A new subsection (subsection (3)) is inserted
to deem a loss of a foetus to be equal to a
whole person impairment of 20%. A foetus is
defined as a conceptus beyond the sixteenth
week of development. The provision is also
intended to apply in respect of meeting the
impairment threshold for making a claim at
14
common law. (Refer to the clause note for clause
45 below)
A new subsection (subsection (4)) is inserted
to clarify that the impairment taken to result
from a loss of a foetus is in addition to any
other impairment that may have resulted from
the injury.
Clause 20 Section 72 amended (Assessment of
degree of impairment)
This clause amends section 72(2)(d) of the Act
to clarify that any impairment resulting from a
previous injury, including a non-work injury or
disease, is not be included in the assessment of
the impairment resulting from the injury.
Clause 21 Section 74 amended (Interpretation of
Division 2 of Part VI)
This clause amends section 74 of the Act by
including two new definitions.
Section 74 defines the range of medical and
other services that an employer may be
required to pay for in relation to a claim for
compensation.
Under this clause section 74 is amended to:
· insert a definition of "household
services" to make it clear that a worker
may be entitled to the payment of
reasonable costs of domestic services
where these services are necessary for
the proper running of the worker's
home;
· clarify that the definition of rehabilitation
service includes `workplace rehabilitation
services' inserted in section 3. (refer to
the clause note for clause 6 above); and
· insert a definition of `road accident
rescue services' to enable the cost of
these services to be met by the scheme.
Until recently, vehicle rescue was
15
performed by the Tasmanian Ambulance
Service and the cost met under the
definition of `ambulance service'. Vehicle
rescue is now performed by the Tas Fire
Service and State Emergency Service, so
no longer falls within the scope of
`ambulance service'.
Clause 22 Section 75 amended (Additional
compensation for medical and other
services)
This clause makes a number of amendments to
section 75 of the Act.
Section 75 provides for the payment by an
employer of the reasonable expenses
necessarily incurred for medical and other
services.
The amendments are as follows:
A new subsection has been inserted
(subsection (1A)) to clarify that an employer is
liable to pay the cost of medical and other
services where the employer has accepted
liability for the injury, or has been determined
by the Tribunal to be liable, or is required to
pay an expense on a provisional basis under
section 77AB.
Subsection (1) is amended to clarify that an
employer is liable to pay medical and related
expenses if any of the paragraphs of section
(1A) apply.
Subsection (1)(a) is amended by inserting
`household services' and `road accident rescue
services' in the list of services for which an
employer is liable to pay reasonable expenses
as compensation.
Subsection (1)(b) is replaced with a new
subsection to:
(i) provide for the payment of the
16
reasonable costs of a worker's
burial or cremation, The costs are
not to exceed the amount
prescribed in the regulations.
(ii) implement a Clayton report
recommendation that the Act
provide for the payment of
counselling services provided to
members of the deceased
worker's family. The costs must be
reasonable and not exceed the
amount prescribed in the
regulations. Note "member of
the family" is defined in section 3.
The services must be provided by
`counselling professionals' as
defined in subsection (10) of this
section.
Subsection 2 is replaced with a new subsection
(2) and three other new subsections
(subsections (2AA), (2AB) and (2AC)) are
inserted. The policy intent behind these new
provisions is to link a worker's entitlement to
medical and other expenses to the period the
worker is entitled to receive weekly payments.
Under existing arrangements, all injured
workers are entitled to the payment of
reasonable medical and other expenses for up
to 10 years. The proposed amendments limit a
worker's entitlement to 12 months after
his/her entitlement to weekly payments has
been terminated. This arrangement recognises
that treatment may continue for a period after
a worker ceases to be incapacitated for work.
The amendments also allow the Tribunal to
approve the payment of expenses after a
worker's entitlement has expired in certain
circumstances.
The proposed new subsection 2 provides that a
workers entitlement to medical and related
services ceases 52 weeks after the lawful
termination of weekly payments unless the
17
Tribunal makes a determination under section
(2AB). Lawful termination means a termination
under section 86, section 88 or other order of
the Tribunal.
The proposed new subsection (2AA) provides
that where a worker's injury has not caused
any incapacity the worker's entitlement to
medical and other expenses ceases 52 weeks
from the date the claim was made unless the
Tribunal makes a determination under section
(2AB).
The proposed new subsection (2AB) enables
the Tribunal to make a determination that a
worker is entitled to compensation for an
expense or type of expense after the worker's
period of entitlement has ceased. The Tribunal
may only make a determination if the worker's
circumstances satisfy any of the criteria in
subsection (2AC).
The proposed new subsection (2AC) provides
that the Tribunal may only determine that an
expense is to be met if the worker has
returned to work and requires surgery or
other services to remain at work; or the
service is related to a prosthesis; or the service
is to ensure that a worker's ability to undertake
necessary activities of daily life do not
deteriorate.
Subsection (3) is amended to allow the Tribunal
to determine any question about whether a
worker requires household services.
Subsection (3) currently allows the Tribunal to
consider the need for constant attendance
services.
Subsection (10) currently provides a definition
of `medical treatment' It is replaced with a new
subsection (10) to include definitions of other
terms introduced by this clause as follows:
· A definition of `counselling professionals'
18
is inserted to identify the persons able to
provide `counselling services'.
· A definition of `counselling services' is
inserted to clarify that the services are
to assist a person to cope with the death
of a worker. Under subsection (1)(b) the
payment of counseling services is limited
to a member of the deceased workers
family.
· A definition of `medical treatment' is
provided to clarify that it is not
restricted to actual treatment but
includes any attendance, examination,
test and analysis.
Clause 23 Section 76 amended (Additional
compensation for travelling expenses)
This clause makes a minor amendment to
section 76(3) to update the reference to the
Award.
Section 76(3) currently refers to "the General
Conditions of Service Award". This award has
been superseded by the Tasmanian State
Service Award.
Section 76(3) is amended to reflect this change
in award. It also provides for any future award,
agreement or determination that may replace
the Tasmanian State Service Award, which will
alleviate the need to make any amendment if
the award changes again in the future.
Clause 24 Section 76A inserted
This clause inserts a new section to require
workers and employers to forward accounts
for expenses within 7 days of receipt. The
amendment arises from the RTWIMM and is
intended to improve decision making and avoid
the late payment of accounts.
19
Clause 25 Section 77AA amended (Employer to
pay claim or refer it to Tribunal)
This clause amends section 77AA of the Act in
relation to claims for medical and other
expenses.
Under section 77AA an employer who receives
a claim for an expense must within 28 days
either pay that expense or notify the worker
and the service provider that the expense is
disputed.
One of the main purposes of this clause, is to
remove doubt about the relationship between
section 77AA and section 81A. Section 81A
provides a period of 84 days in which an
employer must make a decision about liability
to pay weekly payments or to pay expenses of
the type referred to in section 77AA. The
different timeframes (i.e., 28 days under section
77AA and 84 days under section 81A) has
caused uncertainty about whether an employer
must comply with section 77AA before any
decision had been made under section 81A.
To address this uncertainty, a new subsection
(subsection (1AA)) has been inserted to clarify
that the obligations imposed by subsection (1)
only apply where an employer has accepted
liability to pay compensation; is taken to have
accepted liability under section 81AB; or the
Tribunal has determined that the employer is
liable to pay compensation.
This clause also makes minor changes to
subsections (1) and (4). The first amendment
links subsection (1) with the new subsection
(1AA) The second amendment simply changes
the words `Division 2 of Part VI' to `this
Division' in subsections (1)and (4). It is
unnecessary to give the exact citation to
Division 2 of Part VI because all of the matters
being addressed reside in the same Division.
20
Clause 26 Sections 77AB and 77AC inserted
This clause inserts two new sections to provide
for the payment of expenses up to a total of
$5000 where the employer has not accepted
liability or the Tribunal has not determined the
employer to be liable.
This is intended to implement a key element of
the RTWIMM to facilitate early intervention.
`Without prejudice' payment of these expenses
will enable injured workers to have immediate
access to medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The proposed new Section 77AB contains the
following provisions:
Subsection (1) clarifies that the section applies:
(i). where an employer has not
accepted liability or has not been
taken to have accepted liability; or
(ii). where the employer has not been
determined to be liable; and
(iii). if the Tribunal has not made an
order under section 81A(3) that an
employer is not to pay weekly
payments or expenses; and
(iv). the amount of the claim, including
any amounts already paid, is not
more than $5000.
Subsection (2) requires an employer to, within
28 days of receiving a claim, pay the expense or
if the expense is considered unnecessary or
unreasonable, to notify the worker and service
provider and refer it to the Tribunal.
Subsection (3) provides that the payment of an
expense is not to be taken as an admission of
liability.
Subsection (4) provides that any expense paid
by an employer under this section is not
recoverable from the worker (unless the
Tribunal has made an order under section
21
77AC(5)) and is recoverable from the
employer's insurer except for the amount
payable by the employer as an insurance excess
under section 97(1A) and (1B) and any amount
the employer is entitled to recover from the
worker by order made under section 77AC(5).
The proposed new section 77AC outlines how
the Tribunal will deal with a dispute about a
claim for an expense made under section 77AB.
Subsection (1) requires an employer to lodge
all evidentiary material with the referral.
Subsection (2) directs that if an employer fails
to lodge any evidence that evidence cannot be
used unless the Tribunal allows.
Subsection (3) outlines the test to be applied by
the Tribunal to determine if an expense should
be paid. An expense is to be paid if the Tribunal
is not satisfied that there is a reasonably
arguable case that the expense is unnecessary
or unreasonable.
Subsection (4) places the onus on the employer
to prove that an expense is unnecessary or
unreasonable.
Subsection (5) provides for the recovery of a
payment if the Tribunal is satisfied that the
worker's claim was fraudulent.
Clause 27 Section 77A amended (Provision of
certain services)
This clause amends section 77A to provide for
the accreditation of workplace rehabilitation
providers in line with the national approval
framework for workplace rehabilitation
providers.
Under this amendment (which inserts two new
subsections - (4) and (5)) a person (called a
"provider") is not to provide workplace
22
rehabilitation services for the purposes of the
Act unless the provider has been accredited by
the Board as a workplace rehabilitation
provider. The term "workplace rehabilitation
services" is to be defined in section 3 of the
Act (refer to the clause note for clause 6 above).
Under the proposed new subsection (5) the
accreditation requirement does not apply to a
person who is engaged or employed by an
accredited workplace rehabilitation provider.
This means that an organisation supplying
workplace rehabilitation services must be
accredited, however, the employees or
contractors engaged by the organisation do not
have to be. This is consistent with the national
approval framework endorsed by the Heads of
Workers Compensation Authorities earlier this
year which is based on approval (accreditation)
of organisations rather than individuals.
It is expected that the Board's accreditation
conditions will require accredited organisations
to ensure that their employees and contractors
have the appropriate qualifications, skills and
experience to provide workplace rehabilitation
services.
A provider working as a sole trader would have
to be accredited by the Board.
Clause 28 Section 77B amended (Application for
accreditation)
This clause makes a minor amendment to
section 77B to reflect the amendments made to
section 77A in relation to the accreditation of
workplace rehabilitation providers (refer to the
clause note for clause 27 above).
Clause 29 Section 77C amended (Grant, &c., of
accreditation)
This clause amends section 77C as a
consequence of the amendments made to
23
section 77A in relation to the accreditation of
workplace rehabilitation providers (refer to the
clause note for clause 27 above).
The first amendment inserts a new paragraph in
subsection (2) (paragraph (ab)) to provide that
the Board is not to grant accreditation to a
medical practitioner or person unless satisfied
that that medical practitioner or person has
fulfilled any prescribed requirements. This
allows for the possibility that there may be
some accreditation requirements specified in
the regulations, e.g., relating to qualifications,
training etc.
The second amendment inserts a new
subsection (subsection (3)) which allows the
Board to grant accreditation subject to the
conditions or restrictions it thinks fit. For
example, this would allow the Board to impose
conditions on accredited workplace
rehabilitation providers to ensure that their
employees have the necessary qualifications to
deliver workplace rehabilitation services.
Clause 30 Section 77D substituted
This clause replaces section 77D with a
proposed new provision.
The existing section 77D provides that an
accreditation remains in force for such period
as the Board determines (unless it is sooner
revoked or suspended under section 77F).
The proposed new section 77D provides that
the maximum period of accreditation for
workplace rehabilitation providers is three
years (or a shorter period specified by the
Board). For all other types of accreditation,
the Board is to determine the period of
accreditation.
In all cases, accreditation remains in force for
the period granted, unless it is sooner revoked
24
or suspended under section 77F.
Clause 31 Section 77F amended (Revocation or
suspension of accreditation)
This clause amends section 77F to allow the
Board to suspend or revoke an accreditation
where an accredited medical practitioner or an
accredited person has failed to comply with the
principles set out in the proposed new section
139(2) (relating to injury management).
The intention of this amendment is to reinforce
compliance with and commitment to the
proposed injury management provisions.
Clause 32 Section 81AA amended (Payments not
admission of liability)
This clause makes a minor amendment to
section 81AA(1)(d) as a consequence of
amendments made by this Bill to section 36
(refer to the clause note for clause 10 above).
Section 81AA(1)(d) allows an employer to
recover weekly payments (including without
prejudice payments) it makes to a worker from
its insurer except for the amount that the
insurer cannot insure against under section
97(1A) the first weekly payment and $200
compensation for other services (this is known
as the employer excess).
Under this amendment, the employer also
cannot recover weekly payments paid in
accordance with the new section 36(4). If this
amendment is not made, section 81AA(1)(d)
will conflict with section 36(4). Section 36(4)
penalises an employer who does not report a
claim within 48 hours of receiving it by
providing that the insurer does not have to
indemnify the employer for weekly payments
payable up to the date the claim is reported.
25
Clause 33 Section 81AC inserted
This clause inserts a new provision (section
81AC) to allow the Tribunal to make orders
where an employer is deemed to have accepted
liability under section 81AB.
When an employer receives a claim for
workers compensation, the employer has 84
days in which to dispute liability for the claim
under section 81A.
Section 81AB provides that if the employer
does not dispute liability in accordance with
section 81A, i.e., if 84 days passes and the
employer has not served a notice on the
worker disputing liability under section 81A,
then the employer is taken to have accepted
liability for the claim.
The Act is currently silent on what the Tribunal
can do once an employer is taken to have
accepted liability under section 81AB.
The proposed new section 81AC makes it clear
that if an employer is taken to be liable under
section 81AB, the Tribunal can make orders
requiring the employer to make weekly
payments of compensation to the worker from
a specified date and/or to pay for medical and
other expenses in relation to the injury
Clause 34 Section 85 repealed
This clause repeals section 85 of the Act.
Section 85 makes provision for medical
examinations and reports. Under this Bill,
these matters are provided for in the proposed
new Division 1A of Part VII.
(Refer to the clause note for clause 37 below).
26
Clause 35 Section 86 amended (Cases in which
employer may terminate or reduce
payments)
This clause amends section 86(1) of the Act as
a consequence of amendments to other parts
of the Act.
The most significant amendment is the
omission of paragraph (d). Under this
paragraph, an employer can, by written notice,
terminate or reduce a worker's weekly
payments where the worker has failed or
refused to participate in a rehabilitation
program or suitable alternative duties
recommended by his employer.
This paragraph is to be removed because it
conflicts with other provisions introduced by
this Bill. Under the proposed new Part XI
(Injury management) (refer to the clause notes for
clause 47 below), the employer or injury
management coordinator can notify the
Tribunal if the worker fails to comply with a
return to work plan or injury management plan
(which would include any suitable alternative
duties the worker is to undertake). On dealing
with a notification, the Tribunal can make
various orders (refer to the clause note for clause
47 section 143Q below) including:
· an order requiring the worker to attend
work in accordance with the worker's
return to work plan or injury
management plan;
· an order requiring the worker to
undertake specified rehabilitation or
retraining or forego part or all of the
weekly payments or compensation for
services he/she would otherwise be
entitled to;
· an order varying a return to work plan
or injury management plan;
· an order suspending weekly payments
for a specified period.
27
This clause also makes a minor amendment to
paragraph (e) of subsection (1) by changing the
reference to section 69B(2) so that it refers to
section 69B(2E) instead. This is necessary as a
consequence of amendments made to section
69B by clause 17 (refer to clause note for clause
17 above).
Clause 36 Section 89 repealed
This clause repeals section 89 of the Act.
Section 89 allows for redemption of weekly
payments by way of a lump sum payment
where the worker's injury is stable and
stationary and 12 months has elapsed since the
date the claim was lodged.
This provision has never been used due to its
taxation implications (income tax would be
payable on a redemption under section 89
given that it is clearly a lump sum payment of
income) and is therefore redundant.
Clause 37 Part VII, Division 1A inserted
This clause inserts a new Division in Part VII of
the Act (Division 1A Medical examinations
and independent medical reviews).
This new Division implements elements of the
RTWIMM aimed at reducing inconvenience,
stress and delays by clarifying the process for
seeking medical reviews. It also incorporates
aspects of the current section 85 which is to be
repealed under clause 34 of this Bill (refer to the
clause note for clause 34 above).
The proposed new Division 1A includes the
following provisions.
Section 90A (Workers may be required
to submit to independent medical
reviews)
28
This provision sets out the circumstances in
which a worker can be required to submit to
an independent medical review.
An independent medical review is defined as a
review carried out by a medical practitioner
(who has not been chosen by the worker) who
has expertise in field relating to the worker's
injury. The review can include:
· one or more examinations of the
worker; and
· a review of any diagnostic test results or
other medical records in relation to the
worker.
Under this provision, and employer or insurer
can require a worker to submit to an
independent medical review if the employer or
insurer has:
· discussed the matter with the worker's
primary treating medical practitioner;
and
· informed the worker as to the reasons
why the review is to be done.
A worker is obliged to submit to an
independent medical review provided:
· the review is at a reasonable time and
place (e.g., it may not be reasonable to
expect a worker based in Burnie to
attend a review scheduled for 8.30am in
Hobart in the middle of winter.);
· the worker has received reasonable
notice in writing of the review
or the worker can refer the matter to the
Tribunal (this reference must be made within
30 days).
To ensure that an independent medical
reviewer has access to all relevant reports and
records in relation to the worker's injury,
section 90A includes a provision (in subsection
(4)(a)(ii)) that the worker is taken to have
consented to the provision of those medical
29
reports or records to the independent medical
reviewer.
In relation to the frequency of independent
medical reviews, a worker cannot be required
to submit to more than one review every three
months (under the current provisions in
section 85 and the Workers Rehabilitation and
Compensation Regulations 2001 (regulation 21)
the frequency is no more than once every two
weeks). There is an exception to this where
the injury is multi-factorial, requiring
examination by different medical specialists.
Section 90A also carries over a provision from
the existing section 85, which requires a
worker to undergo treatment recommended
by a medical practitioner provided by the
employer.
Under section 90A(7), a worker must submit
to any treatment that an independent medical
reviewer specifies will shorten or terminate the
period of incapacity of the worker. However,
if, after discussing the matter with his/her
primary treating medical practitioner, the
worker disagrees with the recommended
treatment, the worker can seek a second
opinion (which is to be paid for by the
employer or insurer). If the second opinion
agrees with the treatment recommended by
the independent medical reviewer, the worker
must undergo treatment.
Under the proposed new section 90C, the
employer can refer the matter to the Tribunal
if the worker refuses to undergo the
treatment. Where the matter has been
referred to the Tribunal, the worker's right to
compensation and to take any proceedings
under the Act is suspended until the Tribunal
has determined the issue. The suspension does
not apply if the treatment refused by the
worker is surgical treatment (given factors such
as the seriousness and risks of surgical
30
treatment and religious or cultural reasons for
refusing surgery).
Section 90B (Reports in relation to
reviews)
This provision specifies the requirements for
preparing and providing reports in relation to
independent medical reviews and examinations
conducted under section 90A.
Copies of all reports are required to be
provided to the worker's primary treating
medical practitioner and injury management
coordinator. The purpose of this is to ensure
that the primary treating medical practitioner
and injury management coordinator have the
benefit of those reports in planning and
coordinating medical treatment and
rehabilitation and return to work processes.
Independent medical reviewers and medical
practitioners who examine the worker in
accordance with section 90A(7)(b) must not
provide copies of reports directly to the
worker. It is up to the primary treating
medical practitioner to provide copies of any
such reports to the worker.
Section 90C (Disagreements &c. about
reviews)
This section allows an employer or insurer to
refer a matter to the Tribunal in the following
circumstances:
· where the worker refuses, without
reasonable excuse, to submit to an
independent medical review; or
examination;
· where the worker obstructs an
independent medical review or
examination;
· where the worker refuses to undertake
or submit to any treatment required
under section 90A(7).
31
Upon referral to the Tribunal, the worker's
right to compensation and to take any
proceedings under the Act is suspended until
the matter is determined by the Tribunal (with
the exception of surgical treatment as
discussed above under section 90A). The
Tribunal can subsequently specify whether
compensation is to be paid for all or part of the
period of suspension.
In determining whether an independent medical
review or examination should be conducted,
section 90C(5) provides that the Tribunal must
have regard to the following matters:
· whether the reviewer has the
appropriate expertise to properly assess
the worker's injury;
· whether, in the circumstances, an
excessive number of reviews or
examinations have been conducted in
respect of the worker;
· whether the worker has previously made
a complaint (on reasonable grounds)
about the conduct of the proposed
reviewer;
· the location and timing of the review;
and
· any other matter the Tribunal thinks fit.
Section 90C also allows referral to the Tribunal
where the parties are unable to agree on:
· whether, and to what extent the
worker's incapacity is due to the
worker's injury; or
· the worker's condition or fitness for
employment.
Section 90D (Reliance on medical
reports)
This section carries over important provisions
from the existing section 85(3) and (3A) in
relation to disclosure/discovery of medical
32
reports.
Under this provision, a worker or an employer
cannot use a report as evidence in respect of a
claim for compensation (i.e., in Tribunal or
court proceedings), unless the report has been
served on the other party. To prevent parties
from getting around this requirement by
seeking evidence from a medical practitioner
other than by written report (e.g., verbal
evidence), the provision also prevents the
admission of evidence from a medical
practitioner where a report has not been
served.
Clause 38 Section 97 amended (Obligation of
employers to insure)
This clause amends section 97 by inserting a
new subsection (subsection (6A)).
The purpose of this new subsection is to
implement one of the strategies of the
RTWIMM that an employer with more than
50 workers is to provide its insurer with an
indication of generic alternative duties
potentially available at the employer's
workplace.
Under the proposed new subsection (6A) this
is to be done in the form of a list provided to
the insurer on acceptance or renewal of a
policy of workers compensation insurance.
Clause 39 Section 101 amended (Granting, &c., of
licences)
This clause amends section 101(2) by inserting
a new paragraph (paragraph (fa)) which
provides that the Board is not to grant a
licence to an insurer unless it is satisfied that
the insurer is capable of complying with the
proposed new Part XI (Injury Management) and
any regulations or guidelines for the purposes
of that Part.
33
The intention of this new paragraph is to
reinforce insurer compliance with and
commitment to the proposed injury
management provisions.
Clause 40 Section 105 amended (Granting, &c., of
permits)
This clause amends section 105(2)(bb) to clarify
that in deciding whether to grant a self-insurer
permit to an employer, the Board must take
into consideration the employer's capacity to
comply with the proposed new Part XI (Injury
management) and any regulations or guidelines
for the purposes of that Part.
The intention of this amendment is to reinforce
self-insurer compliance with and commitment
to the proposed injury management provisions.
Clause 41 Section 127A amended (Nominal Insurer
Fund)
This clause makes a minor amendment to
section 127A of the Act as a consequence of
the insertion of the proposed new section
127C (refer to the clause note for clause 43
below).
Clause 42 Section 127B amended (Nominal Insurer
Special Account)
This clause makes a minor amendment to
section 127B of the Act as a consequence of
the insertion of the proposed new section
127C (refer to the clause note for clause 43
below).
Clause 43 Section 127C inserted
This clause inserts a new provision (section
127C) to enable the Minister to give directions
to the Nominal Insurer in relation to the
Nominal Insurer Fund or Special Account.
34
This amendment has arisen from the Nominal
Insurer's concern that it is holding funds in the
Special Account in excess of the amount
required to meet the legislative purpose for
which they were collected, i.e., to meet the
HIH liability. This is due to a higher than
expected return from the liquidation of HIH.
Under this provision, the Minister's powers of
direction are restricted given that it would not
be appropriate for the Minister to direct the
Nominal Insurer on certain matters such as the
acceptance or management of individual claims.
The Minister can only make a direction where
he or she has received a written request from
the Nominal Insurer for directions in relation
to excess funds in the Nominal Insurer Fund or
Special Account. The Minister can then make
one of the following directions which the
Nominal Insurer must comply with:
· A direction to the Nominal Insurer to
retain part or all of the excess funds in
the Nominal Insurer Fund or Special
Account; or
· A direction to the Nominal Insurer to
pay all or part of the excess funds for
purposes related to:
- the provision of rehabilitation and
compensation to injured workers; or
- the promotion of workplace safety; or
- the objects of the Act
To ensure transparency, the Nominal Insurer is
required to publish directions received in its
annual report, and the Minister is to table any
direction made in both Houses of Parliament
within 10 sitting days of making the direction.
Clause 44 Section 132A inserted
This clause inserts a new provision section
132A, in respect of settlements by agreement
of entitlements to compensation.
35
The existing section 39 of the Act provides for:
· the circumstances in which a claim for
compensation can be settled by
agreement, i.e.,:
- the injury is stable and stationary;
and
- 12 months has elapsed since the
date the claim was lodged; and
· the circumstances in which the Tribunal
can review an agreement, i.e.,:
- the agreement is inequitable; or
- a party to was forced to enter the
agreement against his or her will
or without legal capacity; or
- the Tribunal is of the opinion that
for any other reason the
agreement should be set aside.
Under this Bill, the existing section 39 is
removed and instead the proposed new section
132A is inserted to provide for settlements.
Section 132A has been developed taking
account of provisions in the RTWIMM and
recommendations made in the Clayton report.
Rather than referring to the settlement of a
claim for compensation, the proposed new
section 132A refers to the settlement of a
worker's outstanding entitlements to
compensation. This clarifies that the
requirements under section 132A only apply
where the worker is settling his or her total
statutory entitlements (i.e., his/her overall
claim) rather than an individual claim made
during the course of the workers
compensation claim, e.g., a claim for payment of
a medical expense.
A settlement of the worker's outstanding
entitlements can only be made if the worker
agrees that all further claims to compensation
are extinguished. This means that a settlement
under section 132A in relation to an injury is a
`once and for all' settlement and the worker
36
cannot subsequently make any further claims
for workers compensation in respect of that
particular injury.
It is important to note that any agreement to
settle that does not comply with the
requirements of section 132A is void (section
132A(2)).
One of the main purposes of the proposed new
section 132A is to ensure that all reasonable
attempts at rehabilitation and return to work
have occurred before a settlement is made and
the worker is left to his or her own devices in
terms of future rehabilitation and employment.
To this end, the Clayton report recommended
that all settlements be subject to the scrutiny of
the Tribunal, regardless of the time elapsed
since the claim was made. A less restrictive
approach is taken in the RTWIMM which
requires Tribunal scrutiny of settlements made
within 2 years. The RTWIMM approach has
been adopted by section 132A which requires
Tribunal approval of settlements made within 2
years from the date the claim for compensation
was made.
The proposed new section 132A(6)(a)(i) allows
the Tribunal to approve a proposed agreement
to settle made within 2 years if it is satisfied
that all reasonable steps have been taken to
enable the worker to be rehabilitated,
retrained or to return to work; or that the
worker has returned to work. However, there
are also two other sets of circumstances in
which the Tribunal can approve a settlement
without being satisfied in relation to return to
work etc.
The first is where the Tribunal has determined
under section 81A that there is a reasonably
arguable case for disputing liability (section
132A(6)(b)). In these circumstances, the
Tribunal can approve a proposed agreement to
settle if it is satisfied that the agreement is in
37
the best interests of the worker. This is
intended to apply to cases where there is a
dispute about liability for a claim and a
settlement is made to finalise the issue rather
than continuing with potentially costly and time
consuming proceedings. Generally these types
of settlements occur in relation to relatively
minor injuries and involve small lump sum
payments.
The second is where the Tribunal is satisfied
that special circumstances in relation to the
worker make the worker's rehabilitation,
retraining or return to work impracticable
(section 132A(6)(c)). Again, in such a case, the
Tribunal can approve a proposed agreement to
settle if satisfied it is in the best interests of the
worker. This is intended to cover situations
where the worker suffers a severe injury or a
terminal illness.
In addition to the matters specified above, to
approve a proposed agreement, the Tribunal
must be satisfied that:
· the worker has received appropriate
professional advice in relation to the
proposed agreement to settle. This will
depend upon the circumstances. In
some cases it may be appropriate for
the worker to receive legal advice only.
In other cases, particularly where the
settlement involves a large sum of
money, it may be appropriate for the
worker to receive professional financial
advice as well as legal advice. Any legal
or financial advice received by the
worker in relation to the proposed
agreement to settle is to be paid for by
the employer or the insurer (section
132A(7)(a)); and
· the worker's entitlement to lump sum
compensation for permanent
impairment (under section 71) has been
considered (section 132A(7)(b)).
38
Agreements to settle made more than 2 years
after the date the claim was made do not
require Tribunal approval.
However, as per the existing section 39, the
agreement can subsequently be referred to the
Tribunal for review (section 132A(9)). The
Tribunal can set aside an agreement if it is of
the opinion that:
· a party entered the agreement under
duress (section 132A(11)(a));
· the worker has not received appropriate
advice (section 132A(11)(b); or
· a party was induced to enter the
agreement by a misrepresentation by
another party (or its agent) as to a
material fact (section 132A(11)(c)).
If the Tribunal sets aside an agreement, it must
make an order relating to the repayment of any
money paid under the agreement or,
alternatively, the application of the money
towards any future entitlements of the worker
(section 132A(12)(b)).
The Tribunal is to order that the employer or
insurer is to pay for the costs of an application
made under section 132A (i.e., an application to
have a proposed agreement approved or an
application referring an agreement to the
Tribunal for review), unless the worker
referred the agreement and the Tribunal is
satisfied that the referral was frivolous or
vexatious (section 132A(13)).
Clause 45 Sections 138AB, 138ABA and 138AC
substituted
This clause repeals sections 138AB, 138ABA
and 138AC and replaces them with one new
provision the proposed new section 138AB.
This amendment has a number of purposes:
· to reduce the threshold for access to
39
common law damages from 30% whole
person impairment (WPI) to 20% WPI;
· to make it clear that a worker cannot
obtain common law damages, either
through court award or by settlement,
unless the 20%WPI threshold is met;
· to remove the election requirements
currently imposed by the existing section
138AB.
The proposed new section 138AB imposes a
new threshold on access to common law
20%WPI. This is substantially lower than the
current threshold of 30% WPI and is expected
to lead to an increase the number of seriously
injured workers who can access common law
damages.
Under the proposed new section 138AB(3),
the threshold requirement for access to
common law is met if:
· the Tribunal has been provided with a
statement from a medical practitioner
certifying that the degree of impairment
resulting from the worker's injury is not
less than 20%WPI (note assessment of
impairment is to be carried out in
accordance with sections 72 and 73 of
the Act); and
· the Tribunal has determined that the
degree of impairment resulting from the
worker's injury is not less than 20%WPI.
(Note in accordance with section 57 of
the Act, the employer would be afforded
an opportunity to be heard and provide
evidence in relation to this issue); or
· the worker's workplace injury involves
the loss of a foetus (that the worker has
carried for at least 16 weeks past
conception). (Note under proposed
amendments to section 71, the loss of
such a foetus is deemed to be a
permanent impairment of 20% WPI (refer
to clause note for clause 19 above)); and
40
· the Tribunal has been provided with a
statement signed by a medical
practitioner certifying that the worker's
injury involves the loss of a foetus (that is
16+ weeks old).
Unless the threshold requirements set out
above are met:
· a settlement by agreement of a claim for
damages for an injury for which
compensation is payable under the Act is
void (section 138AB(1)); and
· a person may not commence
proceedings for an award of damages for
an injury for which compensation is
payable under the Act (section
138AB(2)).
The clear intention is that a worker will have
no access to common law damages unless the
20% threshold is met.
Where there is any question about the degree
of impairment, the Tribunal can refer that
question to a medical panel (section 138AB(6)).
The Tribunal is to keep a record of medical
statements, determinations and other matters
which may be prescribed by regulations
(section 138AB(7)).
In addition to inserting a new section 138AB,
this clause also repeals sections 138ABA and
138AC. These provisions will no longer be
required given the changes to the common law
damages threshold and the removal of the
election requirement.
It should be noted that under the proposed
transitional provisions (refer to the clause note
for clause 50) these amendments will not apply
to claims for injuries which occurred prior to
the commencement of the amendments made
by this Bill. This means that the existing
sections 138AB, 138ABA and 138AC will
41
continue to apply in relation to claims for
injuries suffered prior to the commencement
date.
Clause 46 Section 138AD amended (No damages if
claim settled by agreement)
This clause amends section 138AD to reflect
that the provision relating to settlements by
agreement has been moved from section 39 to
the proposed new section 132A (refer to the
clause notes for clauses 12 and 44 above).
The proposed new section 138AD provides
that a worker is not entitled to damages if the
worker has settled his/her outstanding
entitlements to compensation in accordance
with section 132A. This is no different in terms
of policy settings and intent to the existing
section 138AD which provides that a worker is
not entitled to damages in respect of an injury
if the worker's claim has been settled by
agreement under section 39.
The clear intention is that a settlement of the
worker's outstanding entitlements to
compensation in respect of an injury is a `once
and for all' settlement which extinguishes any
further claims to compensation or damages for
that injury.
Clause 47 Part XI substituted
This is one of the most significant clauses in the
Bill. It removes the existing Part XI of the Act
relating to rehabilitation and replaces it with a
new Part XI called "Injury Management". This
new Part is aimed at providing legislative
support to the RTWIMM.
The RTWIMM was developed by the Board in
consultation with key stakeholders. It provides
a framework for improving and streamlining the
management of workplace injury and illness
42
with a view to delivering better health and
return to work outcomes for injured workers
with lower costs to employer and the workers
compensation system.
The proposed new Part XI includes the
following provisions.
Division 1 Application, purpose and
interpretation.
Section 139 (Purpose and principles of
Part)
The object of this section is to clearly state
upfront what the purpose of the injury
management provisions are and the principles
on which they are based. This is intended to
facilitate greater understanding of and
commitment to the injury management
process.
The purpose of Part XI is to establish a system
that ensures, as far as practicable, that workers
recover as soon as possible from workplace
injuries and return to work in a timely and safe
manner.
The principles set out in subsection (2) are
based on the seven high level principles
underpinning the RTWIMM. These principles
highlight the importance of:
· all parties working together to achieve
the goals of injury management the
injured worker's recovery and return to
work;
· early intervention;
· maintaining the relationship between the
employer and the injured worker;
· transparent, effective and efficient injury
management processes;
· access to information and assistance;
· ensuring that processes and services are
of a high standard and that decisions
43
made are in the best interests of the
injured worker;
· timely and effective resolution of
disputes.
Section 140 (Application of Part)
This section supports a key principle of the
RTWIMM, which is that injury management
should commence as soon as possible following
an injury. Evidence indicates that early
intervention is essential to maximise the
prospect of recovery and return to work
(reference : Productivity Commission National
Workers Compensation and OHS Frameworks
(released in June 2004), pp 191 194)
This section encourages early intervention by
providing that the injury management
provisions apply even where there is a dispute
as to the employer's liability for a claim (section
140(1). This means that once a worker lodges
a claim for workers compensation, the
employer, insurer and worker must
immediately carry out any requirements sets
out in Part XI, e.g., preparing and implementing
return to work and injury management plans,
assigning the worker to injury management
coordinators and/or return to work
coordinators as appropriate, identifying suitable
alternative duties etc.
Part XI ceases to apply where:
· there has been an agreement to settle
(under the proposed new sections 132A
or 138AB);
· the Tribunal has found that there is a
reasonably arguable case for disputing
liability and made orders under section
81A(3)(c) or (d); or
· the Tribunal or a court has determined
that the employer is not liable for the
claim.
Section 141 (Interpretation)
44
This section defines a number of terms that are
commonly used in Part XI. Other terms used
in Part XI, such as "injury management",
"primary treating medical practitioner" and
"workplace rehabilitation provider" are also
used elsewhere in the Act and have therefore
been included in the main interpretation
provision of the Act section 3.
Division 2 Injury Management Programs
Division 2 contains a number of provisions in
relation to injury management programs. An
injury management program is a preemptive set
of documented policies and procedures for
managing workplace injuries. Under this
Division, all employers are to have an injury
management program in place. This is intended
to foster employer and insurer commitment to
injury management before any injuries occur.
Section 142 (Injury management
programs to be complied with)
This provision allows the Board to issue
guidelines specifying the mandatory and
recommended content to be included in injury
management programs (section 142(1)).
Under section 142, insurers and employers are
required to ensure that there is an approved
injury management program in place in respect
of each employer and to comply with the
relevant program. There are penalties for both
failure to ensure there is a program and failure
to comply with the program. Injury
management programs must be reviewed every
12 months.
For monitoring and compliance purposes, the
Board can require an employer or insurer to
review and report on an injury management
program.
45
Section 143 (Approval of injury
management programs)
This section sets out the development and
approval processes for injury management
programs.
In accordance with this provision:
· Insurers can develop injury management
programs to apply to their employer
clients;
· Employers that have a policy of workers
compensation through a licensed insurer
can either use an injury management
program developed by their licensed
insurer or can choose to develop their
own injury management program (in
consultation with and with the approval
of their insurer);
· A self-insured employer must develop its
own injury management program;
· The Agencies of the Crown must
develop their own injury management
programs (it is possible that a number of
Agencies could all adopt the same injury
management program).
It is expected that licensed insurers will
develop standard injury management programs
that they provide for the use of their employer
clients.
Injury management programs that have been
developed by licensed insurers, self-insurers or
the Agencies of the Crown must be submitted
to the Board for approval. Programs
developed by insured employers, must be
submitted to the licensed insurer for approval.
Programs cannot be approved unless they
include any mandatory content specified in
guidelines issued by the Board under section
142.
Amendments to approved injury management
46
programs must be submitted to the Board or
the insurer (depending on which one approved
the program). The Board or insurer can
disallow the amendment within 60 days by
notice in writing.
Division 3 Injury management and return
to work coordinators and plans
Division 3 requires injury management
coordination and planning in respect of more
serious workplace injuries. This is intended to
facilitate effective communication between the
parties and ensure that the injury management
process is properly planned and runs smoothly.
Section 143A (Employer to notify insurer
of workplace injury)
This section is intended to facilitate prompt
commencement of the injury management
process following a workplace injury. Research
suggests that the first 24 to 48 hours following
an injury are the most critical (reference:
National Workers Compensation and OHS
Frameworks, Productivity Commission (released
June 2004))
Under this section, an employer, who has a
policy of workers compensation insurance with
a licensed insurer, must notify its insurer within
48 hours of becoming aware that one of its
employers has suffered a workplace injury that:
· results in or is likely to result in the
worker suffering an incapacity for work;
or
· is required to be reported under the
employer's injury management program.
There is a penalty of up to 10 penalty units for
failing to notify the insurer within 48 hours.
The means of notifying the insurer is to be in
accordance with the employer's injury
management program. It is envisaged that this
47
would include instant means of notification
such as telephone, facsimile and electronic mail.
Section 143B (Injury management
coordinator to be appointed)
This provision introduces a key role in the
injury management process the injury
management coordinator.
The injury management coordinator is a person
appointed by either the insurer or employer to
coordinate and oversee the entire injury
management process in relation to more
serious workplace injuries. This new role is
intended to provide one contact or liaison
point for all parties.
Under this section, the following parties must
appoint injury management coordinators:
· licensed insurers;
· self insurers;
· agencies of the Crown; and
· employers who have developed their
own injury management programs in
accordance with section 143.
These injury management coordinators do not
have to be employed in house by the insurer or
employer, although in some cases (particularly
with insurers) they may well be. It is possible
that an insurer or employer could contract out
that role.
To be appointed to the role of injury
management coordinator, a person must have
successfully completed any training approved by
the Board or, alternatively, the Board must be
satisfied that the person has completed training
or obtained a qualification that is equivalent to
the Board's approved training (section
143B(5)).
A worker who suffers a "significant injury" is to
be assigned to an injury management
48
coordinator as soon as practicable. A
"significant injury" is a workplace injury that is
likely to result in the worker being totally or
partially incapacitated for work for more than 5
working days.
Section 143C (Responsibilities of injury
management coordinator)
This provision sets out the responsibilities of an
injury management coordinator. It is important
to note that the injury management
coordinator does not have to personally
undertake the actions/activities, but must
ensure that they are carried out.
The injury management coordinator is
responsible for ensuring that:
· contact is made with the worker, the
employer, and the worker's primary
treating medical practitioner as soon as
practicable;
· return to work plans and injury
management plans are developed and
implemented;
· arrangements are made for the
rehabilitation of the worker;
· workplace rehabilitation providers are
appointed where appropriate;
· the work capacity of the injured worker
is regularly reviewed;
· options for retraining or redeployment
are investigated and arranged as
appropriate;
· the management of the worker's injury
involves the relevant and appropriate
persons including, the worker, employer,
primary treating medical practitioner,
return to work coordinators,
supervisors, workplace rehabilitation
providers and allied health professionals;
· information on injury management is
provided to the worker and the
employer;
49
· medical information is collated and
relevant documentation maintained; and
· attempts are made to resolve disputes
about injury management.
Section 143C(2)(l) is a catch-all provision
allowing for other responsibilities to be
prescribed in the regulations.
Section 143D (Return to work
coordinator may be required to be
appointed)
The purpose of this provision is to ensure that
a worker employed by a large employer (with
50 or more workers) has workplace based
support and assistance in returning to work.
Under this section, an employer with more
than 50 workers must appoint a return to
work coordinator (there is a penalty for not
doing so) (section 143D(1)). To be appointed,
a person must have successfully completed any
training approved by the Board or,
alternatively, the Board must be satisfied that
the person has completed training or obtained
a qualification that is equivalent to the Board's
approved training (section 143D(2)).
The employer is to assign an injured worker to
the return to work coordinator as soon as
practicable after becoming aware that the
worker has suffered a significant injury (section
143D(3) (refer to clause note in relation to
section 143B above in relation to the meaning
of "significant injury"). The return to work
coordinator that the worker is assigned to is to
be familiar with the worker's workplace,
management and staff (section 143D(4)).
A return to work coordinator has the following
functions/responsibilities (section 143D(5)):
· to assist with return to work planning
and the implementation of return to
work plans and injury management
50
plans;
· to monitor the worker's progress;
· to assist the worker to perform his/her
duties in a safe and appropriate manner;
· to reassure and encourage the worker;
and
· to encourage and foster a good
relationship and effective communication
between the worker, the employer and
the insurer.
Section 143E (Return to work and injury
management plans)
The object of this section is to ensure that all
aspects of the injury management process, i.e.,
treatment, rehabilitation and return to work,
are properly planned (in cases of significant
injuries).
There are two types of plans for managing a
significant workplace injury return to work
plans and injury management plans.
A return to work plan is required where a
worker is likely to be totally or partially
incapacitated for a period of more than 5
working days but less than 28 working days.
An injury management plan is more complex
than a return to work plan. It is required
where a worker is likely to be totally or
partially incapacitated for 28 working days or
more.
The injury management coordinator has the
function ensuring that these plans are prepared
as appropriate (section 143E(1)).
This section sets out a number of requirements
in relation to return to work plans and injury
management plans:
· they must be prepared before the
expiration of 5 days after the required
period of incapacity, i.e., for a return to
51
work plan, the plan must be prepared
within 10 working days (5 + 5) after the
worker becomes incapacitated, for an
injury management plan, it must be
prepared within 33 working days (28 +
5) after the worker becomes
incapacitated (section 143E(1);
· they must be prepared in consultation
with appropriate parties including the
worker, the employer, the primary
treating medical practitioner, the insurer,
the workplace rehabilitation provider
and the injury management coordinator
(section 143E(2)); and
· they must be regularly reviewed in
consultation with the parties mentioned
above (section 143E(5)).
A plan (and any amendment to a plan) can only
take effect if the worker and the employer
consent to the plan (or amendment) (section
143E(3)). If a worker or an employer refuse to
give consent to a plan, the injury management
coordinator can notify the Tribunal (section
143E(4)) (which would then deal with the
matter in accordance with section 143Q
refer to clause note below).
A plan will only be effective if both parties the
worker and the employer perform the required
activities or actions specified in the plan. To
this end, section 143E(7) allows the worker or
employer to notify the Tribunal if a worker or
employer does not take all reasonable steps to
comply with a plan.
Again, to ensure that the injury management
planning process commences as soon as
possible following an injury, section 143E(8)
makes it clear that preparing, consenting to or
implementing a plan is not to be taken to be an
admission of liability. Where the Tribunal has
found that there is a reasonably arguable case
for disputing liability and makes an order under
section 81A(3)(c) or (d), there is no
52
requirement to prepare a plan (the
requirement may be reinstated if the Tribunal
or a court subsequently determines that the
employer is liable for the workplace injury)
(section 143E(6)).
Section 143F (Work capacity of injured
workers to be regularly reviewed)
This provision is targeted at cases of long term
incapacity. It is intended to ensure that return
to work and rehabilitation processes remain up
to date and appropriate by requiring regular
review and modification as necessary.
Under section 143F(1)Where a worker is
incapacitated for 6 months or more, the injury
management coordinator must ensure that the
worker's capacity to work is reviewed,
consider whether the injury management plan
should be modified and consider retraining and
redeployment options. This is to occur
regularly every 6 months until the worker's
claim is finalised.
Section 143F(2) provides that if there is medical
evidence indicating that it is highly unlikely that
the worker will ever return to his/her pre-
injury employment, the injury management
coordinator must ensure that appropriate
options for retraining or redeploying the
worker (including to another workplace) are
reviewed, assessed, considered and
implemented.
Division 4 Medical treatment
This Division recognises the vital role that the
worker's primary treating medical practitioner
(usually his/her general practitioner) plays in
the injury management process, e.g., having
ongoing contact with and providing support to
the injured worker, providing important
medical information (certification of incapacity,
work restrictions, recommended treatment
53
etc), and facilitating cooperation between the
injured worker, the employer and the insurer
(reference: The RTWIMM and Report on the
Review of Workers Compensation in Tasmania
(February 2004) by Bob Rutherford, p69).
Section 143G (Primary treating medical
practitioners)
Under this section, a worker is to choose a
primary treating medical practitioner (the
worker cannot be forced to choose a medical
practitioner nominated by the employer or
insurer, e.g., a "company doctor" (section
143G(2)). The worker must notify the
employer of the name of his/her primary
treating medical practitioner as soon as
practicable after suffering a workplace injury
(section 143G(1)). The worker must also
notify his/her employer where he/she changes
primary treating medical practitioners (section
143G(3)). If the worker does not make the
necessary notifications, the employer or insurer
can notify the Tribunal (which is to deal with
the matter in accordance with section 143Q
refer to clause note below). Where the
worker changes primary treatment medical
practitioners, he/she must authorize the
previous primary treating medical practitioner
to release relevant records to the new primary
treating medical practitioner (section
143G(3)(b)).
A primary treating medical practitioner has the
following functions (section 143G(4)):
· to provide workers compensation
medical certificates;
· to diagnose the worker's injury;
· to provide primary medical care;
· to coordinate medical treatment,
including referring the worker to
relevant specialists;
· to monitor, review and advise on the
worker's condition and treatment;
54
· to advise on suitability of and restrictions
in relation to work duties;
· to participate in developing return to
work plans and injury management plans.
Section 143H (Issue of certificates)
The workers compensation medical certificate
is an important tool in the injury management
process. A certificate is required as part of a
workers compensation claim and usually
provides the first indication of a worker's
incapacity and any medical restrictions the
worker may have performing alternative duties.
This section is intended to improve the efficacy
and relevance of certificates by requiring that
certification be regularly reviewed by the
medical practitioner. This addresses past
concerns that workers have been certified as
totally incapacitated for work for long periods
at a time, making it difficult to implement
return to work and injury management plans.
Under section 143H(1), a medical practitioner
is not to certify total incapacity for more than
14 days unless he/she provides reasons
substantiating a longer period and a review
date. If the medical practitioner is of the
opinion that a worker is unlikely to return to
his/her pre-injury hours and/or duties (either
for a specified period or indefinitely), the
medical practitioner must state this opinion,
and the reasons on which it is based, on the
certificate (section 143H(2)).
It is important to note that if the above
requirements are not fulfilled, they do not
affect the validity of the worker's claim for
compensation (section 143H(3)).
Section 143I (Employer to be notified of
certified incapacity and given medical
55
certificate)
This provision encourages an injured worker to
let his or her employer know what is happening
as soon as possible by requiring the worker to:
· notify the employer of his/her certified
incapacity; and
· provide the employer with a copy of the
certificate.
Section 143J (Worker's obligation of full
disclosure to medical practitioners
chosen by worker)
This section places a clear obligation on the
worker to fully disclose information that is
relevant to the diagnosis or treatment of the
injury to any treating medical practitioner.
Full disclosure is essential to allow appropriate
diagnoses and decisions about treatment and
injury management to be made. In recognition
of this, a worker can be prosecuted and receive
a penalty for breaching this provision.
Section 143K (Medical advisory and
mentoring service)
This provision allows the Board to establish a
medical advisory and mentoring service to
provide guidance and advice to medical
practitioners on:
· the application of evidence-based medical
treatment guidelines;
· identifying appropriate treatment
options;
· identifying the work capacity of an
injured worker, including whether the
worker can undertake suitable
alternative duties;
· issuing workers compensation medical
certificates and medical reports;
· obtaining second opinions on diagnosis
or treatment; and
56
· the workers compensation scheme.
Medical practitioners nominated to be part of
the medical advisory and mentoring service are
to be paid from the Workers Rehabilitation and
Compensation Fund. The Board is to
determine the amount they are to be paid
(section 143K(3)).
Division 5 Obligations relating to the
return to work of an injured worker
This Division is focused on facilitating the
return to work of an injured worker. Research
indicates that return to work improves a
worker's prospects of a successful recovery
from an injury. Unemployment can itself
contribute to poor health outcomes (reference:
Productivity Commission National Workers
Compensation and OHS Frameworks (released in
June 2004), p194)
Section 143L (Injured worker's position
to be held open for worker)
This section, together with section 143M
below, is aimed at providing the worker with
an opportunity to return to work with his pre-
injury employer. Where possible, it is
preferable for a worker to return to his/her
pre-injury workplace, as this is familiar to the
injured worker and allows him or her to have
access to existing social networks (reference:
the RTWIMM).
Under section 143L(1), an employer is required
to make the worker's pre-injury employment
available to him or her for a period of 12
months from the date the worker becomes
incapacitated, i.e., the employer must "hold the
job open" for 12 months. This is a very
significant obligation and accordingly, there is a
heavy penalty of up to 100 penalty units for
breaching this requirement.
57
There are two exceptions to this requirement
to hold the job open (section 143L(2)):
· where there is medical evidence
indicating that it is highly improbably that
the worker will be able to perform
his/her pre-injury employment; and
· where the work for which the worker
was employed is no longer required to
be performed.
If the employer is relying on one of the two
above exceptions, he/she must notify the
insurer (if there is an insurer) and the worker
of the reasons why (section 143L(3)).
Note this section is a modification of the
existing section 138A.
Section 143M (Employer to provide
suitable duties after injury)
This section requires an employer to provide
an injured worker, who is not able to return to
his/her pre-injury employment, with suitable
alternative duties (section 143M(1)). As with
section 143L above, this is a key component of
the injury management process and a breach of
this requirement is subject to a heavy penalty
of up to 100 penalty units.
Suitable alternative duties are defined as duties
to which the worker is suited having regard to
the following (section 143M(5)):
· the nature of the worker's incapacity and
pre-injury employment;
· the worker's age, education, skills and
work experience;
· the worker's place of residence;
· any suitable duties for which the worker
has had rehabilitation training;
· any other relevant circumstances.
The definition of suitable alternative duties
58
specifically excludes duties that are merely
token in nature or do not involve meaningful
work, and duties which are demeaning to the
worker given the worker's pre-injury
employment, age, education, skills and work
experience (sections 143M(5)(f) and (g)).
In identifying suitable alternative duties for an
injured worker, an employer must consult with
the worker and must take account of any
medical advice or restrictions. The duties must
also comply with the worker's return to work
plan or injury management plan (section
143M(2)).
There is an exception to the requirement to
provide suitable alternative duties where it is
unreasonable or impracticable for the employer
to do so (section 143M(3)). An employer who
relies upon this exception must provide the
worker with written reasons as to why it is
unreasonable or impractical to provide suitable
alternative duties (section 143M(4)).
Note this section is a modification of the
existing section 138B.
Section 143N (Workers to participate in
return to work process)
This section is intended to reinforce return to
work processes by placing clear obligations on
the worker to participate.
A worker is obliged to comply with the
requirements of a return to work plan or injury
management plan unless he/she cannot do so
due to his/her workplace injuries or for any
other reasonable cause (section 143N(1) and
(2)).
If the worker cannot comply with the plan,
he/she must, as soon as practicable, seek
medical advice and undergo treatment to
enable him/her to comply with the plan
59
(section 143N(3)(a)). The worker must also let
the employer and injury management
coordinator know what is happening (section
143N(3)(b)).
This section also requires a worker who is
working reduced hours in accordance with a
return to work plan or injury management plan,
to attempt to arrange medical appointments
outside of working hours (section 143N(4)).
Where a worker fails to comply with one of
these requirements, the employer can notify
the Tribunal (which would then deal with the
matter in accordance with section 143Q
below) (section 143N(5)).
Section 143O (Workplace rehabilitation
providers)
Under proposed amendments to section 77A
a person can only provide workplace
rehabilitation services if that person has been
accredited by the Board as a workplace
rehabilitation provider (refer to the clause note
for clause 27 above). "Workplace rehabilitation
services" is to be defined in section 3 of the
Act (refer to the clause note for clause 6 above)
and includes specialist services such as:
· initial workplace rehabilitation
assessment;
· functional capacity assessment;
· workplace assessment;
· job analysis;
· advice concerning job modification;
· rehabilitation counselling;
· vocational assessment;
· advice and assistance in relation to job
seeking or arranging vocational re-
education or training.
This provision enables the Board to issue
guidelines for the referral of workers to
workplace rehabilitation providers (section
60
143O(1)). Where there is a dispute regarding
the referral of a worker to a workplace
rehabilitation provider, a party to the dispute
can notify the Tribunal (which is to deal with
the issue in accordance with section 143Q
below) (section 143O(2)).
Division 6 Miscellaneous
A key principle specified in the proposed new
section 139 (refer to clause note above) is that
issues relating to injury management should be
resolved as soon as practicable and with such
assistance as may be necessary so as to ensure
effective injury management. The provisions in
this Division are intended to support that
principle.
Section 143P (Disputes about injury
management)
As a preliminary step, this section requires an
employer or insurer to provide the worker
with written reasons for any significant decision
(section 143P(1)). It may help avoid
misunderstandings if the worker is aware of the
reasons why a decision has been made.
If there is a dispute, the procedure is to be as
follows:
· the employer is to notify the injury
management coordinator as soon as
practicable (section 143P(2));
· the injury management coordinator is to
attempt to resolve the dispute by either
informal mediation or discussing the
issue individually with the parties (section
143P(3);
· if the dispute is not resolved to a party's
satisfaction, that party may notify the
Tribunal (section 143P(4)).
Section 143Q (Powers of Tribunal in
respect of matters under this Part)
61
This section specifies the Tribunal's procedures
and powers when it is notified of a matter (a
dispute) under this Part.
In the first instance, the Chief Commissioner of
the Tribunal is to refer the matter to a State
Service employee (expected to be a conciliator)
who is to provide informal assistance to the
parties to resolve the matter (section 143Q(3)
and (4)). If the State Service employee is of the
opinion that the matter cannot be resolved, the
matter is take to have been referred the matter
to the Tribunal (section 143Q(6)) (the referral
is then to be dealt with in the same manner as
a section 42 referral).
Under this section, the Tribunal can make the
following orders (section 143Q(7)):
· an order requiring the worker to attend
work in accordance with a return to
work plan or injury management plan;
· an order requiring an employer to
provide suitable alternative duties;
· an order suspending weekly payments
for a specified period;
· an order increasing weekly payments for
a specified period;
· an order requiring a worker to undergo
specified treatment or forego part or all
of the weekly payments or compensation
for services he/she would otherwise be
entitled to;
· an order requiring the worker to
undergo an independent medical review
or examination or forego part or all of
the weekly payments or compensation
for services he/she would otherwise be
entitled to;
· an order requiring the worker to
undertake specified rehabilitation or
retraining or forego part or all of the
weekly payments or compensation for
services he/she would otherwise be
62
entitled to;
· an order varying a return to work plan
or injury management plan.
The Tribunal also has a catch-all power to
make any other order it thinks fit.
Clause 48 Section 145 amended (Establishment of
Workers Rehabilitation and
Compensation Fund)
This clause amends section 145 of the Act.
Section 145 establishes the Workers
Rehabilitation and Compensation Fund which is
a Fund managed by the WorkCover Board.
The Fund is intended to provide all the money
required by the Board to discharge its functions
under section 10 of the Act. The Board's
functions include activities directed at the
prevention of workplace injury and illness.
The Fund also provides all money required for
the administration of the Act. This includes
operating expenses of the Tribunal and other
Departmental functions associated with
reviewing, monitoring and amending the Act.
Subsection (3) also provides for the payment of
money for other purposes including for
purposes associated with workers
compensation, occupational health and safety
or rehabilitation as may be prescribed. No
expenses have been prescribed.
This clause amends subsection (3) to replace
the ability to prescribe certain expenses with
an ability for the Minister to determine that
certain expenses be met from the Fund. This
provides a more immediate and flexible
approach that enables the Fund to meet specific
once off expenses as well recurrent expenses
as long as they are expenses associated with
workers compensation, occupational health and
63
safety or rehabilitation.
Clause 49 Section 158 amended (Maintenance of
secrecy)
This clause amends section 158 to provide for
the disclosure of information for purposes that
may not have been envisaged when the current
section was drafted. The trend towards
national harmonisation and co-operation has
identified a need for regulators to be able to
share information on a regular basis. Disclosure
of information is also required to facilitate
research and statistical analysis and for law
enforcement purposes.
Clause 50 Section 164A inserted
This clause inserts a new section to clarify that
the amendments introduced by this Bill, with
the exception of section 143L, section 143M
and section 164A do not apply to any claim for
an injury suffered before the commencement
date.
Sections 143L and 143M are existing
requirements that are carried over in the new
PART XI Injury Management.
Clause 51 Repeal
This is a standard clause which provides for the
repeal of the Amendment Act 90 days after the
amendments commence (they will be
consolidated into the Act).
64