The Marshall Government has announced a series of reappointments and new appointments to the Board of ReturnToWorkSA – the statutory authority responsible for regulating the South Australian Return to Work scheme, which protects approximately 550,000 workers and 54,000 employers from the cost of work injury.
Treasurer Rob Lucas said current Chairperson Greg McCarthy and Board member Liz Perry, whose terms were due to expire in February next year, had been reappointed for a further 3 years.
Two new appointments have been made, replacing outgoing members from November. They are:
- Hon John Rau SC - Barrister and former SA Deputy Premier and Attorney-General
- Ms Narelle Borda - Group Technical Manager, Macro Group Australia
Mr Lucas welcomed the new 3-year appointments, which he said came at a critical time for the scheme, with tens of thousands of SA businesses facing significantly higher worker's compensation premiums next financial year as a result of a pending court decision in the matter of Summerfield.
"Legal uncertainty arising from the Supreme Court's decision in the matter of Summerfield could cost employers more than $100 million in additional annual premiums and the SA economy 20,000 jobs over the next 5 years," said Mr Lucas.
"Mr Rau, as Attorney-General in the former Labor government, was the architect responsible for overhauling the scheme in 2014, which included the objective to keep premiums below 2 per cent.
"His insight into the reasons for the design of the scheme and what was intended by the former Labor government will be of immeasurable value to the Board as it seeks to meet the challenges confronting the scheme.
"ReturnToWorkSA is currently seeking leave from the High Court to appeal the Summerfield decision, which – if not corrected - could see average premiums rise from their existing low 1.70 per cent to 2 per cent, or higher, in 2022-23."
"All told, should ReturnToWorkSA be unsuccessful in their appeal, the scheme will need to carry almost $1.1 billion in additional liabilities and its ongoing costs will be significantly increased."
Ms Borda is a member of SA-based Macro Group Australia (formerly Macro Meats) executive management team, with responsibilities covering food safety, work health and safety, induction and training, quality, financial, animal welfare and environmental compliance.
"As Group Technical Manager, Ms Borda's detailed working knowledge of national business operations, including export and domestic food manufacturing, transport and logistics, clothing, footwear and accessories, brings a unique and valuable perspective to the ReturnToWorkSA Board."
Mr Rau and Ms Borda will replace current Board member Jo Denley, who is not seeking reappointment, and Nigel McBride when their terms expire.
Mr Lucas thanked them for their impressive service and contribution to the Board.
