❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses concerns about workers' compensation premiums, potential inequities related to Section 56 of the Act, age discrimination, and coverage for workers over 65. The Minister's response refutes the claims of inequity and defers legislative action pending further review.
AnsweredQoN 541Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(2) Does the Minister accept that by reason of section 56 of the
Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981
employers are paying the same premium for workers who are entitled to full weekly payments of compensation as they are for workers who are affected by section 56; and
(a) if yes, does the Minister agree that employers are therefore paying for cover which the workers are not entitled; and
(b) does the Minster intend to introduce legislation in 2009 to address this inequity?
(3) Does the Minster agree with the 2007 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission report that the current age limits in the Act are discriminatory?
(4) Is the Minster concerned that in this period of financial crisis and the impact on retirement incomes those workers compelled to remain in the workforce after 65 do not have full workers’ compensation coverage?
Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981
employers are paying the same premium for workers who are entitled to full weekly payments of compensation as they are for workers who are affected by section 56; and
(a) if yes, does the Minister agree that employers are therefore paying for cover which the workers are not entitled; and
(b) does the Minster intend to introduce legislation in 2009 to address this inequity?
(3) Does the Minster agree with the 2007 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission report that the current age limits in the Act are discriminatory?
(4) Is the Minster concerned that in this period of financial crisis and the impact on retirement incomes those workers compelled to remain in the workforce after 65 do not have full workers’ compensation coverage?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
8 April 2009
Responded by
Minister for Commerce
Response time
28 days
(1) Recommended premium rates, as published by WorkCover WA, are based on an actuarial assessment of all outstanding workers' compensation liabilities. This includes liabilities for the entitlements of injured workers aged over 65 years.
(2) No. The workers' compensation premium paid takes into account the recommended premium rate for a particular business activity (see 1), the gross wages of the business seeking to be insured, as well as the risk profile and workers' compensation claim history of that business.
(a) N/A
(b) It would not be appropriate for me to make a commitment to introduce legislation ahead of the finalisation of WorkCover WA's consideration (including a consultation process) of this matter.
(3) If the Member is referring to the Equal Opportunity Commission
Review of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (2007)
, this Report does not specifically mention age discrimination in workers' compensation legislation.
(4) Despite the age limitations within the
Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981
workers aged over 65 years who are injured do have significant entitlements.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
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(2) No. The workers' compensation premium paid takes into account the recommended premium rate for a particular business activity (see 1), the gross wages of the business seeking to be insured, as well as the risk profile and workers' compensation claim history of that business.
(a) N/A
(b) It would not be appropriate for me to make a commitment to introduce legislation ahead of the finalisation of WorkCover WA's consideration (including a consultation process) of this matter.
(3) If the Member is referring to the Equal Opportunity Commission
Review of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (2007)
, this Report does not specifically mention age discrimination in workers' compensation legislation.
(4) Despite the age limitations within the
Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981
workers aged over 65 years who are injured do have significant entitlements.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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