At a time when the ACT Government is looking to introduce a new workers compensation scheme for public sector employees, it would be timely for them to consider the changes announced by the Queensland Government to the Queensland Workers Compensation Scheme.
The Palaszczuk Government has confirmed that it will restore the rights of workers in Queensland including the reinstatement of common law rights for workers who can prove negligence on the part of their employer. The previous Queensland Government had removed the rights of many workers to such claims.
When many Governments in Australia have been looking to restrict or remove entitlements, the Queensland Government has shown that such rights can be retained while still preserving a profitable scheme. The same principles apply in the Australian Capital Territory where the private sector workers compensation scheme has been performing well while still offering workers proper compensation. It is hoped that the same principles will be taken into account by the government in considering any new scheme for public sector workers.
If you are injured at work, our team of workers compensation lawyers can help you.