The NSW Government has opened consultations on state insurer icare and the legislation it operates under as part of a review to be led by retired Supreme Court judge Robert McDougall.

A scheduled five-year review of workers' compensation has been brought forward and expanded to include a “root and branch” examination of icare following criticism of the organisation’s performance.

Terms of reference were released last month and feedback is now sought by October 30, either through a written submission or by completing a short survey available here. 

The review will investigate the operation of icare, including claims management, implementation of Dore review recommendations, benefits to workers, executive remuneration, governance and other issues recently raised within the media and parliament.

“NIBA will be making a submission to the review on behalf of brokers, however we encourage members to complete the short survey found on the review page,” National Insurance Brokers Association CEO Dallas Booth said today.

The terms of reference show the review will produce two public reports summarising its findings.

One will focus on icare and the workers’ compensation schemes and the other will cover the State Insurance and Care Governance Act review.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced last month that John Robertson would chair icare from September 25 amid wider changes at the organisation, with his responsibilities to include “ensuring full co-operation” with Mr McDougall to allow the independent review to be delivered by April 30.

The insurer is also searching for a new CEO after former head John Nagle left the organisation in August following questioning by a NSW Parliamentary committee.