Broken WorkCover system back on agenda in parliament

By Simon Ruppert

Dec 1, 2023

Addressing WorkCover: State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has criticised Victoria’s WorkCover system while discussing a bill to reform it.

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She said that since 2018, WorkCover had required a $1.3 billion taxpayer-funded boost to remain functional.

Recent premium increases averaged 42 per cent, while some industries saw an 80 per cent rise.

Ms Cleeland labelled the new bill as “rushed” and insufficient for meaningful reform.

A Victorian Government spokesperson, however, said the new bill aimed to address these issues.

“We’ve been clear that WorkCover is fundamentally broken, and our changes will ensure premiums stay low and the scheme can continue to support workers into the future,” the spokesperson said.

“We expect the bill to pass and we’ll continue to talk to the Opposition and the crossbench alongside establishing Return to Work Victoria to make sure workers are getting support to get healthy and back to work.”