WORKCOVER BOARD

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. Will the minister advise the council, in particular those anti-union buffoons across the aisle from us: what are the strategic objectives for the South Australian Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme?

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for Gambling) (14:38): I thank the honourable member for his question. The WorkCover SA board recently released its strategic direction for the years 2011-16. The board has confirmed WorkCover's mission is to achieve the best outcomes for injured workers, employers and the South Australian community. The 2011-16 strategic plan for WorkCover clearly articulates that its role is to administer and regulate the South Australian Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme.

WorkCover is also responsible for overall scheme performance and for ensuring that appropriate claims management and related services are provided. Following consultation with the executive management and senior managers within WorkCover, four strategic goals have been set by the board, including:

that injured workers remain at work or return to work to their maximum capacity;

that employers, workers and providers meet their obligations and actively work together to deliver workplace injury prevention and injury management outcomes;

a financially sustainable scheme; and

a professional, achievement-focused organisation.

These goals illustrate what WorkCover will be working towards over the next five years. Four values have also been agreed by the WorkCover SA board following significant consultation with staff. Those four values are integrity, achievement, respect and professional excellence. These values will guide WorkCover's approach in its delivery of the strategic goals.

The WorkCover board has set a clear direction for WorkCover, and supporting strategies and performance measures are being developed. It is essential that we acknowledge that all parties in the scheme have a role to play in achieving the best outcomes for injured workers, employers and the community. This includes a shared commitment to keeping injured workers at work where possible or supporting them to get back to work as quickly and safely as possible. This approach provides the best outcomes for the injured worker, the employer and the WorkCover scheme.