The Allan Government is delivering increased support to injured workers and their families, acknowledging the hardships and challenges they face following a serious workplace incident.
The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025, introduced today, will strengthen the ability of Victoria's workers compensation scheme to provide high-quality service and ensure users are treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.
The Bill delivers recommendations from the independent review into the management of complex workers compensation claims that will benefit all injured workers.
This includes a new power for the Minister to publish a Code of Claimants' Rights, which will set service standards and corresponding obligations on WorkSafe, its agents and self-insurers.
New obligations on employers will ensure return to work (RTW) coordinators complete approved training and are provided with reasonable facilities and assistance required to fulfil their role.
The changes also provide for the appointment of members with lived experience to WorkSafe's advisory committees and introduce a requirement for an independent review of the scheme at least every five years, commencing in 2030.
The Bill also introduces reforms following the Victorian Government's review of the adequacy of support available to family members following a work-related death.
This includes an increase in the weekly pension for dependent children, new lump sum entitlements to recognise the grief and loss experienced by close family members and economic loss suffered by dependants other than a partner or child, and extended entitlements to provisional payments.
These changes will also enable funding of a broader range of therapy and other supports for family members of deceased workers and those suffering an eligible progressive disease or severe injury.
Additionally, the Bill will make minor changes to refine the operation of the Accident Compensation and Conciliation Service, now known as the Workplace Injury Commission (WIC) and streamline administrative arrangements for WorkSafe's Board, CEO, and hearing loss assessors.
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Ben Carroll
"No one plans to get injured at work - the Allan Government is standing with injured workers and their families, ensuring they are treated with the respect, care, and dignity they deserve in their toughest times."
"No one should die at work. Families who have lost loved ones at work will receive the support they need-higher pensions for children, new entitlements for grief, and help to heal from the pain and loss they've endured."
