NSW workers compensation “scam” - Some references

Attwood Marshall Lawyers. (2020, 4 August). ‘Workers’ compensation schemes investigated as unethical practices exposed - WorkCover Queensland the best scheme in Australia’. [Blog]. https://attwoodmarshall.com.au/investigation-workers-compensation-schemes/

NOTE: And NSW is still the worst. The article compares the “schemes” of QLD and NSW.

Carmody, B. (2023, 9 March). ‘Maria went to WorkCover for a mental health claim. She says the process made her sicker.’ The Age. https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/maria-went-to-workcover-for-a-mental-health-claim-she-says-the-process-made-her-sicker-20230308-p5cqd9.html

‘Fair compensation for work injuries ‘almost impossible’ if NSW scheme issues not resolved’. (2020, 3 August). National Tribune. [Online]: https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/fair-compensation-for-work-injuries-almost-impossible-if-nsw-scheme-issues-not-resolved

“There are systemic failings in the system which are negatively impacting injured workers. However, we were further shocked to hear the claims of unethical conduct and financial mismanagement at icare exposed in the media last week.

These allegations must now also be examined closely by this Committee. Unethical behaviour cannot be tolerated.

It was very concerning to hear about multimillion-dollar contracts allegedly being awarded with zero scrutiny at the same time as injured workers are being dragged through distressing dispute processes that ultimately undermine their ability to recover. (NOTE: Let’s not sanitise this. It’s corruption). 

The priority must be to ensure that anyone who is injured at work receives the support they need and fair compensation to look after themselves and their families.” 

NOTE: Nothing has changed. It’s worse. From my own experience, SIRA NSW lets insurers commit workers compensation fraud and SafeWork NSW allows WHS units in larger organisations to commit fraud and reckless conduct during the first six months to deny a worker their right to recover in their job. Imagine if I were the one refusing to cooperate in implementing the injury management plan agreement and behaved like this. It’s systemic, grossly negligent and unacceptable government gaslighting.

Ferguson, A. (2020, 7 August). ‘Perrottet’s key lieutenant resigns amid icare salary scandal’. The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/perrottet-s-key-lieutenant-resigns-amid-icare-salary-scandal-20200806-p55jdj.html

Ferguson, A., Day, L. and Robinson, L. (2020, 27 July). ‘Snouts in the trough circle Australia $60b workers’ comp system’. The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/snouts-in-the-trough-circle-australia-s-60b-workers-comp-system-20200726-p55fiu.html

NOTE: I’ll be writing more on the above reference in a few posts time. 

Ferguson, A., Day, L. and Robinson, L. (2020, 27 July). ‘They treated me like a leper’: How workers’ comp claims were rejected’. The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/they-treated-me-like-a-leper-how-worker-comp-claims-were-rejected-20200727-p55fs9.html

Purse, K. and Guthrie, R. 2008). ‘Workers compensation policy in Australia: New challenges for a new government.’ Journal of Applied Law and Policy. pp. 99-110. [Open access]: http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/JlAppLawP/2008/7.html

Visentin, L. and Smith, A. (2020, 3 August). ‘Icare boss quits after failing to adequately to declare wife’s involvement’. The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/icare-boss-quits-after-failing-to-declare-his-wife-s-involvement-20200803-p55i2i.html