Inquiry into Comcare Scheme

The Federal Government has announced an inquiry into the Comcare scheme with terms of reference released on 23/01/08. The inquiry seeks submissions by 29 February on a range of reference terms. The Government has previously described the scheme as lacking in respect of workplace health and safety matters and benefits for workers. In addition comment has been passed on the suitability of the scheme for certain private sector companies in industries different to what the scheme was originally set up to cover. The Unions have been strongly critical of the scheme and the actions of the previous government on joinder to the scheme by various companies. It will be interesting to see what recommendations are made on harmonising benefits across the scheme and State schemes as well as the different workplace health and saftey laws in Australia.