Reduced premiums and safer workplaces
The overall workers’ compensation premiums for Commonwealth Government agencies has dropped to a seven-year low of 1.25 per cent for 2009–10.
The premium has dropped eight per cent from last financial year. This is the third consecutive drop in the Commonwealth sector premium rate.
Comcare CEO, Martin Dolan, said the drop represents an overall reduction in claims frequency through the prevention of workplace injuries.
“The results indicate that three quarters of scheme members will now be paying less than one per cent in premium rates.”
“On the whole, this is a very pleasing result for Commonwealth agencies as it indicates injuries are continuing to fall due to effective prevention strategies that promote safer workplaces,” Mr Dolan said.
The premium reduction sees the overall premium rate drop from 1.77 per cent in 2006–07. The reduction in premiums over the past five years is illustrated by the below figures:
| 2005–06 | 2006–07 | 2007–08 | 2008–09 | 2009–10 |
| 1.77% | 1.77% | 1.55% | 1.36% | 1.25% |
Mr Dolan will write to all agencies this week to inform them of their individual premium results for 2009–10. In the letter, Mr Dolan will advise agencies that current challenges in the economy and workplaces require employers to further enhance their rehabilitation capability and return to work strategies.
“Comcare looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with agencies to further reduce the human and financial costs of workplace injury and disease," Mr Dolan said.