Today at NSW Parliament House Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, together with Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, Business NSW, NCOSS and Disability Representatives, announced a compromise package to unlock the stalled workers compensation reform.
Ms Scruby urged both the Government and Opposition to support the proposal in the final sitting period of the year to prevent further hikes in insurance premiums for businesses.
“Without reform this year, businesses, charities and community organisations will see their workers compensation bills rise yet again. Businesses and charities are already struggling with rising costs and considering laying off staff,” Ms Scruby said.
“Independents have worked together to craft a sensible, fair and financially responsible plan that restores support for injured workers while protecting small business from another cost blowout,” said Ms Scruby.
The proposal, negotiated by the Member for Sydney on behalf of independent MPs including Ms Scruby, provides a solution to independently reevaluate the Whole Person Impairment (WPI) assessment, decrease the threshold for WPI when compared to the Government's proposal and ensure access to lump sum compensation for workers with psychological injuries by retaining the current 15% WPI threshold. The proposal also holds insurers accountable by mandating a lawyer’s certification that any disputed claim has a reasonable prospect of success and that costs are proportionate, to stop unnecessary and intimidating legal action against claimants.
Ms Scruby slammed the Coalition’s position that undermines workers by stripping out protections for victims of bullying, racial harassment, or vicarious trauma requiring them to be ‘intentional’.
“We are proposing a balanced package that supports businesses, protects workers and restores confidence in the system,” Ms Scruby said.
“It’s the kind of constructive solution people expect from their Parliament, one that is practical, fair and affordable.”
Ms Scruby also called on the Premier to honour his commitment made in Parliament to reinstate the Business Connect program, which provides vital advisory and mentoring services to small businesses.
“Both major parties claim they stand with small business. Now’s the time to prove it,” Ms Scruby said.
“Accepting this offer will prevent premium hikes, save taxpayer dollars, and deliver a stronger safety net for workers.”
“Independents have done the hard work to find a path forward. We’re giving the Government and Opposition a sensible compromise that can pass this year. There’s no excuse for more delay,” she said.
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