A bill has been introduced into federal parliament to stop employers from leaving the Comcare scheme without contributing to the cost of current or future workers compensation liabilities.

The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) Bill 2015 enables Comcare to set and collect “exit contributions” from former Commonwealth authorities and successors of former Commonwealth authorities before they leave the Comcare scheme. In addition, it can set and collect ongoing regulatory contributions from employers or successor bodies that have left the scheme.

The bill also provides for employees who are injured before their employer leaves the Comcare scheme to continue receiving rehabilitation.

Among other amendments, the bill clarifies that premiums for current Commonwealth authorities and entities should be based on the principle that current and prospective liabilities should be fully funded by Comcare-retained funds.

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Published on 12 March 2015 in the NSCA Foundation Safe-T-Bulletin