NSW: Unions to set up test case on workerscomp reforms

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2001
NSW: Unions to set up test case on workerscomp reforms

New South Wales' peak union group is set to run a test case which will effectively
increase compensation for injured workers, despite the state government's reforms to the
scheme.

The New South Wales Labor Council is considering running a case in the Industrial Relations
Commission to increase the level of workerscomp benefits through the award system.

The test case would seek to increase the maximum payments for workers compensation
from $250,000 to $500,000.

Labor Council secretary JOHN ROBERTSON says he is seeking legal advice on the feasibility
of the claim with a view to launching a test case early next year.

He says the action is a direct result of the deficiencies in the current workers compensation
laws that have stripped back the rights of all workers.

The move comes after the government introduced a series of reforms to the scheme to
reduce a $3 billion deficit in the WorkCover scheme.

The bill is expected to be rubber stamped in the lower house this week.

AAP RTV nd/jjs/jh

KEYWORD: WORKERSCOMP UNION (SYDNEY)

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