Commerce Minister Troy Buswell has announced good news for Western Australia's workers' compensation system, with significant improvements proposed for the State's Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 and a cut in the 2010/11 average recommended premium rate.

Legislative improvements

Proposed changes to the Act follow the completion of a Legislative Review conducted by WorkCover WA in 2009 in consultation with key representatives from all peak bodies involved in Western Australia’s workers’ compensation and injury management system.

The review was aimed at creating more flexible, responsive and modern workers’ compensation and injury management legislation. It also provided an opportunity to address any continuing concerns to come out of changes to the Act in 2005.

• For more information, read the Minister’s announcement.
• To download the 2009 Legislative Review Report, see the Legislative Review Project page.

2010/11 Recommended Premium Rates

The Board of WorkCover WA has agreed that the average recommended premium rate for 2010/11 will be 1.497 per cent of total wages. This represents a 13.9 per cent drop from the previous financial year.

The full schedule of recommeded premium rates will be published in the Government Gazette on 13 April 2010 and made available on the Rates, Fees & Payments page from that date.

• For general information about the upcoming rates, download the Recommended Premium Rates 2010/11 Questions & Answers sheet (PDF - 140kb).

Minister's office - 9222 9111
WorkCover WA Contact - Chris White, Director Legislation and Scheme Information, 9388 5512 or email Corporate Communications.