ReturnToWorkSA

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (14:17): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. Can the minister inform the house about the launch of Return to Work SA?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform) (14:18): I thank the honourable member for her question. This government has been prepared to be bold and tackle very difficult issues and to take up challenges that have been confronting us and others for a great deal of time. One of these important initiatives has, of course, been the creation of Return to Work SA and the reform of the entire workers compensation system.

In past years, workers, employers and the government have acknowledged that there were problems with the workers compensation system. Many people in the community were cynical about the scheme. Upon being re-elected and, indeed, in the lead-up to the election, as part of an election promise, the government was determined to take up this challenge. The reform of the scheme, the most substantial change to occur in nearly 30 years, is vital for the health and wellbeing of those workers unfortunate enough to suffer injury at work. The workers, employers and the state all suffer as well.

The reform scheme contains significant improvements in support provided to workers in achieving return to work, as well to employers who need assistance in participating in the return-to-work process. This new system will also reduce the annual premium needed to be paid by employers by about $180 million each year and will virtually eliminate the existing unfunded liability of the scheme.

I recently announced the new Return to Work SA which will become an example for other jurisdictions seeking to improve the services they provide to workers and employers. I am excited about the initiatives such as the mobile case management approach. The face-to-face nature of assistance given to workers will increase workers' and employers' understanding of their roles and responsibilities and provide for an earlier return to work by the workers.

This reform is reflective of bold government. It was not easy but it was necessary. I was surprised only late last month to read an article by the Law Society's Mr Morry Bailes in InDaily. Mr Bailes claimed he felt there had been 'a conspiracy of silence' and questioned the level of public debate about these reforms.'

The Hon. J.J. Snelling: My mate, Morry?

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Your mate, yes. Any accusation of silence cannot be fairly directed at this government. I can assure the parliament that there was no conspiracy of silence in relation to this matter. Indeed, the government published a detailed policy of its intent prior to the 2014 election. Upon being re-elected, I undertook extensive consultation with employer organisations and the union movement for many months. I set about improving the level of communication and consultation with the medical profession. I held meetings with the opposition on many occasions; one of these briefings I was pleased to note was very well attended and included several shadow ministers. I also held meetings with members of the legal profession. In fact, Mr Bailes was in attendance at more than one of those meetings.

In his article Mr Bailes then answers his own criticism of the government by commenting that he believed the process to have been 'a valuable lesson in how to get parliamentary business done'. It is apparent that a bold government that carries out bold reforms can confuse some government critics but we are determined to continue carrying out the necessary changes that make South Australia a better place for workers and employers alike.