The Victorian Ombudsman's report into Workcover released today, which found that insurance agents are unfairly denying claims, highlights the need for urgent improvement to the scheme according to the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).
"Lawyers assist injured workers negotiate the workers' compensation scheme every day," said ALA state president and personal injury lawyer, Mr Jeremy King. "As a result, we are well aware of systemic failings in the system and the need for the insurers and their agents to reform their approach to injured workers.
"We hope that, as a result of this investigation, the unethical behaviour highlighted in the report ends now, and the rights and welfare of workers is prioritised and protected."
The ALA welcomes the Ombudsman's report and is pleased to hear that the Victorian Workcover Authority will accept all of the report's recommendations.
"We need to remember that we are dealing with individuals who have been injured working to support themselves and their families," said Mr King. "Our priority must be to ensure that anyone who is injured at work receives the support they need and fair compensation to look after themselves and their families.
"It is important that our state has a worker's compensation scheme in place that is just and helps injured workers obtain the assistance they are legally entitled to receive."
The ALA is a national association of lawyers, academics and other professionals dedicated to protecting and promoting justice, freedom and the rights of the individual.
