The Governor in the Executive Council has proclaimed 1 October 2011 for the commencement of the first stage of the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Amendment Act 2011 (the Act). The first stage:

• removes all aged based limits on workers' compensation entitlements
• extends the safety net arrangement for workers awarded common law damages against uninsured employers
• includes various amendments of an administrative nature.

The proclamation of the changes to the dispute resolution process is planned for 1 December 2011. This will allow time for administrative processes to be put in place to enable the implementation of the new dispute services.

Changes to the calculation of weekly payments of compensation provisions in sections 123(2) to (7) of the Act have not been proclaimed at this stage. This decision was based upon concerns that the proposed amendments could result in unintended detriment to some workers.

For more information please see the legislative review page on our website or contact Chris White on 9388 5512 or chris.white@workcover.wa.gov.au.