$1 billion in reforms to NSW worker comp scheme

$1 billion in reforms to NSW worker comp scheme

The $1 billion workers compensation reform package announced by the NSW Government includes a proposal to split WorkCover into three agencies. Meanwhile, the Opposition has slammed plans to abolish the Dust Diseases Board


According to Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet, the government’s reforms will create a workers compensation system that is not only fairer but financially sustainable with better support for workers, incentives for safe workplaces and low premiums.

SafeWork NSW, enhanced benefits, premium reductions


NSW Business Chamber’s Chief Executive, Stephen Cartwright welcomed the package of reforms: “[It] address some key anomalies in the current system such as benefits for workers injured nearing retirement, and provide additional support for seriously injured workers and those with ongoing needs”. However, he cautioned that the reforms need to be transparently monitored to ensure the workers compensation scheme does not suffer blow-outs or become too costly.


The president of Australian Medical Association (AMA) NSW, Saxon Smith welcomed the changes to the workers compensation scheme in relation to injured workers, including the reduction in the threshold for permanent impairment from 30% to 21% permanent impairment: “It better reflects the support needed by injured workers who are unable to return to work”.


Greens MP and IR Spokesman, David Shoebridge described the reforms as “a modest step in the right direction” in that thousands of injured workers will benefit, but thousands more will be left without essential support. He said the $1 billion being spent on reforms represents a fraction of the multi-billion surplus the scheme has generated since it was reformed with ‘savage’ benefit cuts in 2012, and that the surplus should be reinstated ‘dollar for dollar’ to injured workers in need of income and medical support.



Shoebridge welcomed the decision to restructure WorkCover into three separate agencies and admitted the government deserves credit for improving income assistance for older injured workers who will now be entitled to up to 12 months income replacement after they reach the retirement age. However, he said the reforms do not satisfy the fundamental principles of a fair workers compensation scheme: “Every injured worker deserves lifetime access to medical treatment and income replacement while ever they are suffering wage loss from their injury”.

Contact Us

Zenergy News

February 11, 2025
A workplace health and safety regulator has explained what the "safest workplaces" look like, in revealing it finalised more than 100 successful safety prosecutions in 2024.
February 11, 2025
Two years after the release of the groundbreaking 2022 Everyday Respect Report, Rio Tinto has undertaken a thorough Progress Review to assess its ongoing cultural transformation. As one of the world’s largest mining companies, Rio Tinto has been working to create a safer, more inclusive workplace culture that fosters respect, productivity, and innovation. The 2024 Progress Review highlights significant strides made, ongoing challenges, and areas requiring further attention. The Journey Towards Cultural Transformation Cultural change is a multi-year effort that requires consistent leadership, structural support, and engagement across all levels of an organization. Since launching its Everyday Respect initiative, Rio Tinto has embedded this agenda into its core business strategy, focusing on reducing bullying, sexual harassment, and racism in the workplace. Key Progress Areas: Increased Awareness and Open Conversations: The public release of the original report acted as a catalyst for change, encouraging more employees to speak up and engage in discussions about respect. Stronger Leadership Commitment: Leaders are playing a more proactive role in championing Everyday Respect, with a focus on psychological safety and inclusive leadership. Enhanced Training and Education: Programs such as Everyday Respect Training and Purple Banners have been widely implemented to build awareness and response capabilities. Facility Upgrades and Safety Improvements: Investments in workplace infrastructure have improved the physical environment, making it more inclusive and conducive to employee well-being. Greater Workforce Diversity: There has been a notable increase in gender and cultural diversity across teams, fostering innovation and improved workplace dynamics. Ongoing Challenges and Areas for Improvement Despite progress, resistance to change remains an obstacle, particularly among certain groups. Survey data indicates that while improvements have been perceived in many areas, instances of bullying, sexual harassment, and racism persist. Key focus areas include: Building Stronger Buy-in: Engaging those who are resistant to cultural change, particularly male employees, to foster a collective commitment to Everyday Respect. Enhancing Reporting Mechanisms: Increasing trust in reporting systems to ensure that employees feel safe and supported when raising concerns. Strengthening Frontline Leadership: Providing additional training and tools to equip supervisors and managers with the skills needed to drive culture change at all levels. Maintaining Momentum: Ensuring that Everyday Respect remains a priority in the face of organizational changes and external pressures. Looking Ahead: Staying the Course The findings from the 2024 Progress Review reaffirm Rio Tinto’s commitment to long-term cultural transformation. While meaningful progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to sustain positive momentum and address persistent challenges. As one employee noted: “ Change is definitely happening, and it will get hard at times. We can’t back away ... I’m here at Rio Tinto because I want to see through this change. We need to stay the course. ” With ongoing leadership, engagement, and strategic initiatives, Rio Tinto is on the path to embedding Everyday Respect across all facets of its global operations, ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and more productive workplace for all employees. See full report “ here ”.
By Shazamme System User October 8, 2024
Australia's dating apps are getting a safety makeover.
By Shazamme System User October 8, 2024
National Safe Work Month
September 19, 2024
Meet the Outstanding 2024 Winners
Australia's highest WHS fine, for manslaughter, becomes law
September 19, 2024
NSW's industrial manslaughter laws
More Posts
Share by: