Media Release

2 November 2016

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The Labor Opposition has renewed its demands that the Liberal-National Government amend its cruel changes to the workers compensation scheme at a public rally in Orange today.

Injured workers took to the streets of Orange today to protest the changes made to the workers compensation scheme in 2012 that could see tens of thousands of injured workers lose their privately funded support.

Under the Government’s 2012 legislation, once an injured worker reaches the five year limit their employer is no longer obligated to provide for their care and support.

Injured workers who began receiving workers compensation in 2012 will soon be reaching the five year threshold of employer and insurer funded support.

Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Adam Searle and Country Labor Candidate for Orange Bernard Fitzsimon reiterated Labor’s policy to amend the legislation to a fairer system that provided proper support to people injured in the work place.

Labor Leader in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Adam Searle MLC today said:

“The Liberal-National Government’s changes to the workers compensation scheme were the cruelest since the scheme was introduced more than 90 years ago.

“In 2017 we could see tens of thousands of workers being cut off from compensation from their employer and forced onto the already exhausted public welfare system.

“Workers should be able to have confidence that if they are injured while doing their job they will be supported for as long as they are out of the workforce.”

Country Labor Candidate for Orange Bernard Fitzsimon today said:

“Only a Labor Government is committed to re-storing fairness and equity to the workers compensation scheme.

“In Orange, the Government’s changes have meant that careers have been destroyed, families ripped apart and lives torn to shreds since the 2012 changes.”