ReturnToWorkSA

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (14:47): I seek leave to make an explanation prior to directing a question to the minister representing the Deputy Premier on the subject of ReturnToWorkSA.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: Yesterday afternoon, I provided in some greater detail the tragic circumstances of a particular case referring to Mr Michael Lesiw. I don't propose to go through all the detail of that again, other than the essential element that his workers compensation claim had actually been accepted in 2002 but that that was never communicated to him or his brother in the family business, who was managing the claim, even though they spoke to a number of WorkCover officers at the time. That comes from the judgement in relation to this particular issue to which I referred yesterday. My questions to the minister are as follows:

1. Can the minister explain how the error was made in 2002 and what changes have been made in ReturnToWorkSA procedures since then to ensure that such an error will not occur again?

2. Will ReturnToWorkSA and/or the minister issue an apology to Mr Lesiw for the handling of this particular case?

3. After the minister was contacted for help in May 2013 and he replied to Mr Lesiw, did he ever demand from WorkCover an explanation as to what had happened and any advice as to how procedures would be changed to prevent a reoccurrence of such an error?

4. What have been the total legal costs to ReturnToWorkSA in fighting this case, and what is the estimated total cost of settling this particular claim?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:49): I thank the honourable member for his important question. Of course, I will take that question on notice to ensure a response comes through from the responsible minister in the other place.