Ministerial Statement

WORKCOVER CORPORATION

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:02): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: Yesterday I tabled the review of the South Australian Workers Compensation System report prepared by Mr Alan Clayton, together with Mr John Walsh. As I indicated, the report represents a very comprehensive set of findings and recommendations.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier has the call.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: I will start again. As I indicated, the report represents a very comprehensive set of findings and recommendations for changes to the scheme—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier has been granted leave. Members will hear him in silence. The Premier has the call.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: Thank you, sir. As I indicated, the report represents a very comprehensive set of findings and recommendations for changes to the scheme that have as the primary focus improving the rehabilitation and return to work rates of workers and making the system more affordable and efficient. Government members considered the report and its recommendations this morning. Government members have agreed to the introduction of legislation that reflects the recommendations of the review report. This afternoon the Minister for Industrial Relations will give notice of introduction of the relevant bills tomorrow.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier has the call.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: The government is committed to passing legislation through the parliament as soon as possible to make the scheme fully funded, fair to workers and affordable to business. The recommendations of the Clayton review provide a very sound basis for this legislative reform. Once the legislation is introduced, Mr Clayton will be available to interested parties representing employers and employees to hear directly from them about any specific suggestions they may have to enhance the measures outlined in the legislation.

Mr Hanna interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Mitchell will come to order! The Premier.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: In their dialogue with Mr Clayton, interested parties will be able to make constructive contributions about the specific provisions included in the bill. The government is open to reasonable proposals which are consistent—I repeat, consistent—with the objectives the government has set and which do not disturb the fundamental underpinnings of the report and the legislation, including fairness to injured workers, eliminating the unfunded liability and reducing the average levy rate. Let me repeat that. The fundamentals of it will be, must be, fairness to injured workers, eliminating the unfunded liability and reducing the average levy rate. The government expects to debate the legislation in the April sittings.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!