ARTICLE · 13 DECEMBER 2015

NSW workers compensation scheme reforms increase workers' benefits and reward employers

Sparke Helmore Lawyers

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Further changes to the New South Wales workers' compensation scheme are under way.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

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Further changes to the New South Wales workers' compensation scheme are under way following the NSW Government's $1 billion reform package announcement in August 2015. Some of the amendments made by the Workers Compensation Amendment Act 2015 began at the end of October 2015, while the balance should be in effect by mid-2016.

The reform package has three elements:

premium reductions for employers with good safety and return to work records
the division of WorkCover NSW's functions between Insurance and Care NSW (icare) for insurance, the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) for regulation
SafeWork NSW for work health and safety regulation, and
enhanced benefits for workers.

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