Printing Industries has spent an estimated $1m over the last three
years complying with the legislative requirements in the development and
due diligence of its application for an industry Specialised Workers
Compensation Scheme. This was scheduled to be submitted just after
Easter.
"The Government has facilitated peak Associations to set-up industry
based Workers Compensation schemes," says Andersen.
"WorkCover's own web site features
the Guidelines and Application requirements and we have followed these
to the letter in preparing our application.
"Now, in the face of competition that will guarantee lower premiums for
employers, better case management and quicker return to work programmes
for injured workers, the Government has slammed the door on any form of
competition.
"We have raised $8m of industry backing for our scheme. We have
completed all due diligence and financial assessments and now we're at
the starting gate – in a race where the NSW Government sets the rules –
and all of a sudden they think it's OK to just cancel the race and
no-one will care.
"Well, we care! And so do our members who have been putting up with a
WorkCover scheme that is inefficient. Our members have been waiting
patiently for a better scheme for the past three years – they want out
of the NSW scheme and into a better run, better managed, more responsive
system that is in-tune with today's business needs, not more Government
monopolies," Andersen says.
Printing Industries has called on the NSW Government to honour its
commitments.
"They wanted us to get involved. We did. We we spent a lot of money
ensuring it would work, and work better than the state scheme. Now they
expect us to walk away?", Andersen asks.
"The Government has an obligation to give adequate forward notice of
such major decisions – or provide compensation – but they can't have it
both ways."
Printing Industries has called for urgent meetings to find a solution.
Read more about Printing Industries' response to the NSW government announcement here.
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