WORKCOVER CORPORATION

Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (14:52): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. Has government policy on WorkCover levy rates changed and what guarantees can it give the business community that their costs will come down? In April 2003, minister Michael Wright told the house that the government 'will not interfere with the WorkCover Board when it comes to the setting of the average levy rate'; yet last week the Premier told the house that the government's aims included 'reducing the average levy rate'.

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Finance, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:53): There is no inconsistency there whatsoever. What I have said before and what I say again is that the decision on the average levy rate is a decision for the board. We have been consistent about that, we were consistent about it way back when we were in opposition and since we have been in government. There is no conflict with what the Premier said. Of course, we would like the average levy rate to come down and we want to create the atmosphere that gives the potential for the board to undertake a decision of that kind.