Shadow Treasurer Rob Lucas today welcomed the acknowledgement by Premier Jay Weatherill and the Labor Government that their 12 years of financial mismanagement of the WorkCover scheme had been a disaster for workers and employers.
“The Weatherill Labor Government’s latest claim of radical reform of WorkCover comes after a series of failed attempts over 12 years,” said Mr Lucas.
“The Weatherill Labor Government’s claims of $180 million per annum premium savings to employers are similar to the claims made in its supposed ‘radical reform’ of 2008 to the scheme.
“The State Liberals support major reform of the WorkCover scheme with an emphasis on improving return to work rates for workers and reducing costs for South Australian businesses.”
Mr Lucas said that Labor’s sorry record on WorkCover was demonstrated by:
• The highest levy rate in the country;
• An unfunded liability of $1.2 billion; and,
• The worst return to work rate in the country.
“Labor’s problem is that for years it has been promising to fix WorkCover problems, yet has repeatedly failed to deliver on its promises,” he said.
“The State Liberals will consult with major stakeholders over the coming weeks before finalising its position on the Bill later this year.”
