NSW: Workers comp could blow out if not reformed: Carr

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2001
NSW: Workers comp could blow out if not reformed: Carr

New South Wales Premier BOB CARR is defending his government's controversial workers'
compensation changes, warning that the compensation bill could blow out to $3 billion
within three years.

The government has introduced a bill which seeks to cut the cost of workers' compensation
by restricting access to common law damages, as well as steering claims out of courts
and into a non-judicial tribunal.

Mr CARR's told ABC Radio the changes are absolutely necessary because the deficit is
already $2 billion.

Mr CARR says the package is not designed to attack workers' benefits, but changing
the system under which lawyers claim just under half the money.

And he says the government is committed to endless consultation with the trade union movement.

Maritime Union members are protesting today by refusing to accept ferry fares, and
yesterday building industry workers shut down in protest at the package.

AAP RTV sal/rt

KEYWORD: WORKERSCOMP CARR (SYDNEY)

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