EMPLOYERS MUTUAL CASE MANAGERS

Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. What is the effect on the management of WorkCover cases as a result of the high turnover of case managers at Employers Mutual Limited, the sole case managers for WorkCover? The opposition has been informed that in the last two weeks 14 case workers have resigned and that each case worker handles up to 80 cases.

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Finance, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:35): I thank the member for his question. To the best of my recollection I have not been informed of that number, but I will check that. It might have come into my office. But if, in fact, that figure is correct, and it may well be, that would be an area of concern, because obviously you do not want high rates of turnover dealing with case management. As the member may well be aware, we have, in part, changes to the regulations which offer better incentives and penalties to the claims agent. Post those changes in regulations, the WorkCover Board chose Employers Mutual. Generally speaking, I think the feedback about Employers Mutual has been good. It is still early days. But I will check on those numbers. It would be a concern if there is a high rate of turnover.