WORKCOVER

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:54): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Mineral Resources Development, representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, a question about WorkCover.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: Over 15 months ago, the government introduced changes to the WorkCover scheme with the intention of reforming and improving workers' rehabilitation and compensation. This package of reforms included the introduction of medical panels that are required to make determinations regarding the medical condition of injured workers should there be any dispute or disagreement. Along with many of my crossbench colleagues, I was opposed to the introduction of the medical panels, as we held concerns over their operation and effectiveness.

The medical panels were established and commenced in April this year and, in the six months they have been operational, I am told that only a minimal number of injured workers have appeared before the medical panels. I understand that the medical panels are running at a cost of about $9 million a year. Given this fact, my questions are:

1. How many cases were projected to be referred to the medical panels each year?

2. How many cases have they seen since their commencement?

3. How much was involved in establishing the medical panels, including advertising for interested members?

4. What is the actual ongoing cost of maintaining the medical panels?

5. Does the minister consider that the legislation is effective in regard to this aspect of the act?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I will refer them to the Minister for Industrial Relations in another place and bring back a reply.