Putting you first at the centre of what we do. Keeping you healthy and safe at work. Supporting you when you are harmed at work. Ensuring your scheme works and is sustainable.

Comcare welcomes review, new workplace safety laws

Media release

- 28 Sep 2009

The national occupational health and safety regulator, Comcare, will become more resilient, responsive and relevant, as it implements a number of changes in response to the Report of the Review of Self Insurance Arrangements under the Comcare Scheme.

New CEO of Comcare, Mr Paul O’Connor, welcomed the Federal Government’s response to the review released in Sydney on Friday by the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. “Comcare has been delivering upon its charter: the Comcare scheme has lower premiums, better return to work outcomes and lower injury rates than other Australian schemes – but we can and must do better” Mr O’Connor said.

“In particular, we must look critically at the recommendations made in the review, and take on the new opportunities that face us. Comcare will reshape as a smarter, more responsive, more relevant organisation, in partnership with the community we serve.”

Mr O’Connor said that Comcare supported the move towards harmonisation of OHS laws.

“The harmonisation of OHS legislation supports Comcare’s aim – to work in partnership with employers, workers and the community to protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers.”

Mr O’Connor said Comcare would be an active participant in the six-week consultation period on the model occupational health and safety legislation, which is being co-ordinated by Safe Work Australia.

Comcare is accepting feedback from scheme members and other interested parties about the proposed laws through the Comcare website at www.comcare.gov.au.

- Ends -

Media enquiries:
Ph: 1300 366 979
Email: media@comcare.gov.au

Media release - Comcare welcomes review, new workplace safety laws [pdf version]