WORKCOVER

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (14:40): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to asking the minister representing the minister for WorkCover a question on the subject of WorkCover.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: Members would be aware that for quite some time concern has been expressed about the performance of our WorkCover scheme here in South Australia, the level of unfunded liability greater than $1 billion, the worst performance of all workers compensation schemes in relation to premiums being charged to employers and, most importantly, the worst performance of all schemes in terms of return-to-work performance for injured workers.

Earlier this year there was a dispute—there were a number, I guess, but one in particular—between the WorkCover Ombudsman and WorkCover over the issue of self insurers. Subsequently, Mr Wayne Potter, the then general manager for regulation and education signed a letter to InDaily, although the opposition has been informed that even though he had signed that letter it had been authored by the chief executive officer, Mr Thomson.

Information provided to the Liberal Party indicates that, subsequent to that letter being published, there was a dispute between Mr Potter and Mr Thomson over the letter and related issues. This dispute then led to the termination of Mr Potter, with Mr Potter having his belongings at his office desk being packed by other staff at WorkCover whilst he was frogmarched by security from the WorkCover building.

The Liberal Party has also been informed that a letter has been forwarded to the minister for WorkCover, minister Snelling, and the Chair of the WorkCover Board, Mr Bentley, expressing significant concerns about the behaviour and actions of Mr Thomson. This letter raised the issue of the circumstances of Mr Potter's dismissal, but also, importantly, it raised a number of other significant issues as well. My questions to the minister are as follows:

1. Did the minister receive a letter expressing concern about the behaviour and actions of the former chief executive officer of WorkCover, Mr Rob Thomson, and, if so, when did he receive that letter and what action did he take as a result of receiving that letter?

2. When did the Chair of WorkCover, Mr Bentley, first advise the minister that the chief executive of WorkCover would be leaving his position, and what explanation was given to the minister by the Chair of WorkCover as to the reasons why Mr Thomson was leaving his position?

3. Was the minister advised by WorkCover that Mr Wayne Potter had been terminated from his position as general manager of regulation and education at WorkCover, and, if so, what was the explanation given to the minister by WorkCover for Mr Potter's termination?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:43): I thank the member for his important questions. I will take them on notice and refer them to the minister in the other place.