The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is the latest organisation to tell the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into national workers’ compensation and occupational health and safety frameworks that it’s committed to the long-term aim of a national workers’ compensation regime.

ICA Deputy CEO Dallas Booth told the commission that a “nationally consistent approach” is essential, as is a move away from the compo culture towards a new emphasis on injury management and rehab.

“There is now an opportunity to put in place effective reforms that will have the capacity to benefit workers, employers and the community for the longer term,” he said.

And there was a sting for the state-run schemes. ICA wants them regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.

Governments underwriting workers’ compensation insurance should do so “on a commercially neutral basis and in accordance with requirements of the Insurance Act,” said Mr Booth. “Premiums should be risk-based, with minimal cross-subsidisation and price control…”