by Admin | Dec 10, 2014 | Workers Compensation
Significant changes have been made to workers compensation during the last 12-18 months and WorkCover NSW recently released their report card promoting the resulting positive impacts. NSW reforms were designed to make workplaces safer, premiums fairer, affordable and easier to understand. With less claims, improved Return to Work rates, less red tape are a few of the results.
The old Workers Compensation Scheme was failing many NSW businesses. It was difficult to follow, time consuming to renew and often came with unexpected premium increases that added uncertainty and stress. In 2012, ideas were explored for ways to improve the system, starting with reforms for the small employers of NSW.
For an update on the positive progress, please read the WorkCover NSW 12 Month Report Card via the following link
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by Admin | May 4, 2016 | Workers Compensation
The last 12 months has seen continued change across NSW Workers Compensation which remains consistent with the prior 2-3 years. These recent NSW workers compensation structural changes were designed to result in a faster, simpler, and more engaging experience for workers, employers and other stakeholders.
In September 2015, the structural separation of insurance functions was recommended in various reports and inquiries into WorkCover to address the inbuilt conflict between the insurance regulatory and insurance service delivery functions. Importantly, addressing concerns of various stakeholders as well.
Benefit reforms for injured workers were made law in August 2015. The benefit reforms focus on three objectives: helping injured workers with the highest needs, assisting those with injuries to return to work, and applying benefits equitably for all injured workers.
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by Admin | Oct 23, 2015 | Appeal, Claim costs, Premium, Reforms, Workers Compensation
Despite the NSW scheme changes taking effect back on 30 June 2015, the majority of medium to large NSW businesses are yet to receive their 2015/16 premium renewals. With iCare now authorising the NSW insurers to start processing 2015/16 renewal notices the challenge they now face is there is a 3-4 month backlog. Given the events over the last 4 months, we have covered this inside out. To help make these changes easier to understand, ABILITY GROUP provide a quick reference list below for our clients and partners:
1) Reforms are causing increases & Renewal Premium Increases
2) Renewal Capping & Appeals
3) New Premium Scheme Transition
4) NSW WorkCover becomes 3 new organisations
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by Admin | Sep 3, 2015 | Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation
On 1 September 2015, the regulatory and insurance functions of WorkCover NSW are assumed by 3 new discrete organisations. State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) for workers compensation regulation, SafeWork NSW for work health and safety regulation and Insurance and Care NSW (icare) for workers compensation insurance. Following the 30 June 2015 scheme changes, these new changes are aligned with making the NSW Workers Compensation scheme more commercially focused and aligned with needs.
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by Admin | Jun 22, 2015 | Appeal, Workers Compensation
Various sections of the NSW Workers Compensation Act 1987 allow a business to lodge a WorkCover appeal. We have seen the upcoming changes already impact some businesses as they face financial pressure caused by higher premium and there could be grounds for appeal. Although circumstances are often unique, ABILITY GROUP has a successful record in winning appeals on behalf of clients.
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