Canberra’s approval for Optus to shift its workers’ compensation to a national scheme will be examined in a Federal Court case on November 25. And the Victorian Government, which obviously fears a mass exodus of national companies from its state scheme if Optus wins the right to shift to Comcare, has indicated it will fight the case as far as it can.

Victorian WorkCover Minister Rob Hulls, who has mounted the Federal Court action, says the move threatens state-based compensation schemes and the Federal Government should have consulted the Victorian Government before approval was given.

The Victorian WorkCover Authority is preparing further legal action if the Victorian Government is unsuccessful in the Federal Court.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) Workplace Director David Gregory is also concerned by the effect the Optus move will have on the state scheme. “However, we quite understand the issues that large companies have with operating across six state jurisdictions. With a range of different regulations in place it’s a nightmare for a large organisation.”

He says workers’ compensation premiums are constantly rated as a key issue for employers surveyed by VECCI.

“We would hope that state and federal governments can co-operate in a way that meets the expectations of large organisations but doesn’t threaten the successful work that’s been done over the years to stabilise our state-based scheme.”