Harmony Between The States
One step closer to a National Safety Culture
NSW and Victoria have agreed to takes steps toward a universal WorkCover Scheme including establishing one center to cater for employers who have operations in both states.
Whilst there is no move at this point to merge the financial resources the move toward a multi state claims handling process is just the beginning. There has been no pressure to align other states but that will surely follow.
The states have taken this approach in an effort to beat the federal governments push for a national scheme for workers compensation and workplace safety laws.
With workplace accidents costing a staggering $34 billion and insurance premiums up-to around $7 billion a simpler and more cost effective system would be advantageous. A common Audit Tool for Assessing Workplace Safety Performance would also see the management of workplace safety across the country become a more effective process.