WORKCOVER CORPORATION

Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (14:59): My question is for the Minister for Industrial Relations. How many ministerial directives has the minister issued to the WorkCover Board? When were they issued and for what were they issued? Section 4 of the WorkCover Corporation Act 1994 provides that WorkCover is subject to the general control and direction of the responsible minister. The minister has the power to issue ministerial directives to the WorkCover Corporation. The minister could have issued a directive to address return to work issues.

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Finance, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:59): I would not be able to answer that question off the top of my head, but—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT: —I can say this: there have been the odd occasions when I have issued a ministerial directive, but rather than me trying to guess, I will get a precise number. I am confident enough to say that they are few and far between. The premise of the question was also about return to work. Certainly, return to work is a key area of workers compensation, a key area of WorkCover. Return to work is something that is discussed almost on a regular basis when I meet with the chair and CEO of WorkCover.