House of Assembly Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1) 54 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Estimates Replies ReturnToWorkSA ReturnToWorkSA In reply to Mr SZAKACS House of Assembly Cheltenham ReturnToWorkSA In reply to Mr SZAKACS (Cheltenham) (24 July 2019). (Estimates Committee B) The Hon. R.I. LUCAS House of Assembly Treasurer The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): I have been advised the following: In relation to Recommendation 3 that ReturnToWorkSA keep records in respect of all disputed claims, comparing the decision with the outcome of the dispute. ReturnToWorkSA is undertaking a review of its current system for improved data collection in relation to disputes. Data is currently available regarding the final outcome of decisions, that being: 'Confirmed', 'Set aside', 'Varied', 'Set aside and substituted', and 'Discontinued'. In relation to recommendation 9 that ReturnToWorkSA analyse records of the outcomes of the decisions which are referred to SAET as disputes by injured workers or employers (see recommendation 3) to determine whether they indicate that there is some appropriate change in processes or procedures which should be made to improve initial decisions. ReturnToWorkSA monitors the outcomes of decisions of the SAET and the Supreme Court on an ongoing basis to determine if changes in processes or procedures are required. In relation to recommendation 11 that ReturnToWorkSA maintain records of the terms on which injured workers return to work, including whether the return to work is to the previous employment position or some other position, whether the return to work is to the same level of hours or some other hours, and whether the return to work is temporary or indefinite/apparently permanent. ReturnToWorkSA records whether a return to work outcome is with the pre-injury employer or different employer. As at 1 July 2019, ReturnToWorkSA has updated its system to record workers' return to work status to identify if the role is full time, part time or casual and will be used to monitor if workers are returning to work that is comparable to their pre-injury work status. In relation to recommendation 13 that ReturnToWorkSA maintain records of the return to work rates of the injured workers with a WPI of or greater than 30 per cent, and consider the development of strategies to provide opportunities for such injured workers to return to work in some suitable employment. If a seriously injured worker has a desire to return to work or study in some capacity this is supported and may, for example, include long-term university study to enable the person with a serious work injury to return to suitable employment. In relation to recommendation 15 that ReturnToWorkSA should identify workers at risk of not returning to work within two years and commence providing ongoing support to those persons via the ReCONNECT program before the cessation of entitlements. ReturnToWorkSA's ReConnect program has a process to identify and make contact with workers that have not returned to work prior to the expiry of entitlements. Referrals commonly occur between 80-90 weeks from date of injury, i.e. before the cessation of income support at 104 weeks. In relation to recommendation 17 that ReturnToWorkSA continue to conduct its reskilling pilot program, including the consideration of the introduction of financial incentives to support the re-employment of injured workers, and at an appropriate time including consideration of a meeting of all groups properly interested in reskilling injured workers to encourage their return to work. ReturnToWorkSA has evaluated the reskilling pilot program and concluded that the program is an effective intervention strategy that helps injured workers remain at, and return to, work. Subsequently, reskilling was transitioned from its pilot phase into an ongoing program. In relation to recommendation 18 that ReturnToWorkSA ensure that its reskilling program extends to seriously injured workers, including those who continue to receive income maintenance after the expiry of two years from their injury. The reskilling service is available to assist seriously injured workers.