WRCAC Communique December 2020

26 February 2021
Council Communiques

Functions of the Council

In accordance with section 9 of the Return to Work Act 1986, the functions of the Council are to:

  • keep the operation of the Return to Work Act 1986 under review;
  • make recommendations to the Minister on possible improvements to the administration of the Return to Work Act 1986, or the statutory scheme for the rehabilitation and compensation of injured workers in the Northern Territory;
  • carry out investigations, at the request of the Minister, into questions about the rehabilitation and compensation of injured workers and to report to the Minister on the results of the investigations; and
  • perform any other advisory functions relating to workers’ rehabilitation and compensation as the Minister directs.

The Council comprises the person constituting the Work Health Authority under section 4(3) of the Work Health Administration Act 2011 and up to 10 other members appointed by the Minister.

Council members must represent stakeholders of the Northern Territory Workers’ Compensation Scheme, including balanced representation from a wide range of industry sectors, employer and worker interests, and insurers. Membership of the Council must also include persons with expertise in the rehabilitation of injured workers.

The Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Advisory Council (the Council) met on 3 September 2020.

The following items were discussed:

New Council Members

Adam Giuliani and Llewelyn Jones were welcomed to the Council as new members.

Working Group – Premium Percentage Increases

The Council provided the background into this item for new members. The working group provided a report on the outcomes of potential mechanisms explored into premium increases. The Council members agreed to provide feedback to the working group by the end of January 2021.

COVID-19 JobKeeper

The Council noted that NT WorkSafe have received no further workers compensation claims in relation to COVID-19.

Annual Report

Secretariat advised the Council that the WRCAC annual report was signed off by the Minister on 14 October 2020 and was published on the NT WorkSafe website.

Other Business

Secretariat advised current Council membership expires 18 March 2021 An Expression of Interest for full Council was published in the General Gazette, NT News Classifieds and NT Worksafe's website.

It was noted that the Catholic Church has moved from an approved self-insurer status to approved insurer status for a period of 12 months.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for February 2021.

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