Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission

Introduction

The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (the Commission) is established under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act). The Commission is a statutory body with regulatory functions in relation to Comcare and other authorities which determine workers’ compensation claims under the Commonwealth scheme. The Commission also has regulatory functions under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (OHS Act).

The SRC Act also establishes Comcare which has its own regulatory functions as well as claims management functions.

While the Commission and Comcare each have regulatory roles, most of the regulatory functions in relation to workers’ compensation and occupational health and safety rest with the Commission.

Responsible Minister

The Commission operates within the Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio, reporting to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.

Role

The Commission administers the regulatory functions of the SRC Act and the OHS Act, other than those functions ascribed to Comcare. The SRC Act establishes the workers’ compensation scheme covering Commonwealth employees and the employees of licensed corporations. The scheme is characterised by an integrated and cost effective approach to injury prevention, workers’ compensation and occupational rehabilitation.

The OHS Act complements the SRC Act, providing a regulatory framework aimed at reducing occupational injury and disease. This framework includes advisory and enforcement functions, and a system of penalties and sanctions.

Functions

The major functions of the Commission are to

• provide advice to the Minister in relation to the SRC Act and the OHS Act

• determine applications from Commonwealth authorities and eligible corporations wishing to self-insurance under the SRC Act
  

• provide strategic direction for occupational health and safety in the Commonwealth jurisdiction and ensure compliance with the OHS(CE) Act

• develop general policy direction for scheme administrators on the operation of the SRC Act

• ensure, as far as practicable, there is equity of outcomes resulting from administrative practices and procedures used by scheme administrators

• act as a review body for premiums and regulatory contributions.