Safe Work Australia has published a snapshot of workers’ compensation scheme developments. This is the first edition of the Summary of Workers’ Compensation Scheme Developments in Australia and New Zealand – September 2018 to September 2020 – 1st Edition (Summary Report).
In 2021, the first edition of the Summary of Workers’ Compensation Scheme Developments in Australia was produced. The report will be biennial and is based on input from the New Zealand and the Australian States, Territories and Commonwealth compensation schemes. The summary report outlines significant changes in:
- Administration
- Scheme delivery
- Policy
- Legislative amendments
Workers’ compensation schemes aim to minimise the cost and impact of work-related injury and illness. Workers’ compensation in Australia is predominately jurisdictionally based, with coverage of injured workers generally based on the location of employment. There are 11 main workers’ compensation schemes in Australia, one for each state and territory and 3 Commonwealth schemes
In contrast to Australia, New Zealand has a no-fault accident insurance scheme covering everyone who is injured in New Zealand, including workers, drivers, children, beneficiaries, students, unemployed, retirees and visitors. The scheme is managed by the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC), funded by compulsory levies, and replaces the right to sue for injury.
A more comprehensive comparison of workers’ compensation scheme arrangements and the differences between schemes in Australia and New Zealand will be published in alternate years, with the next publication date being in 2022.
The report will be useful to regulators, employers, lawyers, academics, trainers and policy developers as a reference tool providing a succinct overview of recent developments in workers’ compensation and for teaching about workers’ compensation.
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