ReturnToWorkSA Board

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:59): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question on the topic of injured workers to the Minister for Industrial Relations.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: Earlier today, representatives of a number of South Australian unions sent a letter to Labor MPs. In that letter, it was stated that, as reported in InDaily:

…the Return To Work SA board has 'undertaken no steps—

this is from the union officials—

to ensure the scheme was adequately funded'…

'Instead, they have allowed the underfunding of the scheme to develop to a point where they have threatened a massive increase in the RTW Levy unless the government cuts entitlements,' the letter said.

'The unelected Board of a government agency should not be making law. That's not their job; it's yours.'

It says to the Labor MPs. The letter goes on to say, according to InDaily, that they have:

…'lost faith' in the organisation's board and management, arguing RTW's 'mismanagement of injured workers' entitlements [has] led to this ultimatum being placed at the feet of your government'.

My question to the minister therefore is: why hasn't he met with the ReturnToWork board and does he have concerns about the lack of representation of unions and working people on the board?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Attorney-General, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:00): I thank the honourable member for his question. Certainly, I had discussions with the department, who liaise with the board. Do I have concerns? Yes, I do.