The McGowan Government is delivering on its 2021 election commitment to progress a Bill that will modernise workers' compensation laws in Western Australia.
Public submissions can be made on the Bill for a three-month period ending November 10, 2021.
The draft Bill implements recommendations from WorkCover WA's 2014 Review of the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act: Final Report.
It also delivers on the McGowan Government's 2021 election commitments to increase the cap on medical and health expenses and extend the point at which a worker's income compensation payments step down, from 13 to 26 weeks.
The Bill also implements lifetime care and support arrangements for catastrophically injured workers, delivering on a commitment between the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments.
Public consultation on the draft Bill will occur before it is introduced into State Parliament so that stakeholders can have their say.
WorkCover WA is managing the consultation process and will be providing public information sessions on the Bill.
A copy of the draft Bill, supporting information and details about how to make a submission can be accessed on the WorkCover WA website at http://www.workcover.wa.gov.au
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Today's launch of a draft Bill is the first step in replacing the archaic 1981 legislation with a Bill that is fair, workable and easier to understand.
"Election commitments delivered in this Bill will see injured workers receiving an appropriate level of financial support for medical expenses and loss of income.
"I encourage anyone who has an interest in the workers' compensation scheme to make a submission so that the workers' compensation legislation can serve Western Australia well for many decades to come."
