Review into Queensland’s workers’ compensation scheme

Original release published by WorkSafe Queensland

The Queensland Government has announced an independent review of the state’s workers’ compensation scheme is underway.

Head of the Office of Industrial Relations Kym Bancroft welcomed the review, which under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, must be carried out every five years.

“My office wants to ensure injured workers continue to receive the compensation and support they need to return to work as soon as possible, and that the scheme remains one of the best in the country,” Ms Bancroft said.

“The 2023 review will be undertaken by former Queensland Industrial Relations Commissioner Glenys Fisher and Professor David Peetz, Emeritus Professor of Employment Relations at Griffith University.

“Professor Peetz will be expanding on the work he did on the 2018 review, which found the scheme was financially sound and provided fair treatment for both employers and injured workers.

“Ms Fisher and Professor Peetz will consult with key scheme stakeholders including registered industrial organisations, peak legal bodies, scheme insurers, and medical and allied health groups.”

“The review will focus on matters such as the scheme’s performance, how effectively it meets its objectives, how psychological injuries are managed within the scheme, and other emerging issues.”

Ms Bancroft said recommendations out of the 2018 review resulted in a number of key reforms like free early intervention, treatment and support for psychological injuries until the claim is decided. It also led to exempting employers’ apologies from any assessment of liability—which encourages employers to send a sincere expression of sympathy to an injured worker, showing they are cared about and helping to resolve disputes.

Of Australia’s centrally funded schemes, Queensland’s scheme remains the most efficient with the highest proportion of total expenditure paid directly to injured workers, and the lowest proportion going on administration.

The review is due to be completed by 30 June 2023.

Find out more about Workers’ compensation laws at WorkSafe.qld.gov.au.