Compensation law expert Mark O’Connor said reports the State Government was considering axing journey and recess injury claims was nothing short of mean and such cuts would be heartless.
Reports this week suggested Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie was considering a shake-up to WorkCover Queensland which would see workers stripped of their right to compensation if they were injured on their way to and from work.
It is understood Mr Bleijie is considering dumping journey and recess claims after pressure from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.
However, Mr O’Conner said thousands of injured Queensland workers and their families could be financially crippled if the State Government cuts entitlements under the WorkCover compensation scheme.
“Reports that claim people injured travelling to or from work are a burden on the WorkCover scheme are simply not true,” Mr O’Conner said.
“WorkCover pays out for travel claims but 40% of that money is refunded to WorkCover when common law claims against CTP insurers are settled.
“Further, an injury caused when a worker is going to or from work has no individual impact on the employer’s WorkCover premiums.
“In fact, travel claims represent only about five cents to the average premiums rate,” he said.
Mr O’Conner said Mr Bleijie needed to come clean with his plans.
“It is time the Attorney-General stepped up and assured Queenslanders their scheme is safe from meddling,” he said.
“My message to the Attorney-General is to leave our scheme alone.
“Your own public inquiry into it said to leave it alone.
“Why would you meddle with it?”
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Source: http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/compensation-cuts-workers-financially-crippled/2029779/
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