Queensland has become the fourth state to complete a review of its statutory insurance schemes as required by the National Competition Policy. It is also the fourth state to conclude that it can do it better than the private sector. The review, commissioned by the State Government, recommended that based on its recent strong financial performance, WorkCover Queensland remain in public hands.

According to National Competition Council President Graham Samuel, the NCP reforms only allow restriction on competition if it can be “rigorously demonstrated that the overall benefits of retaining a competitive environment are conducive to appropriate business investment and sustainable economic growth with a genuine public interest”.

Now the report on Queensland WorkCover is completed, the system expects to be able to maintain its exclusive claims management role for at least another three years.  The fund has turned around its return from an operating deficit of $290 million several years ago to a surplus of $219 million in 1999/2000. 

Reviews of the South Australian and Western Australian monopolies on CTP and workers’ comp are still continuing in those states, and no one will be too surprised if these unanimously conclude that the public service should remain in charge of their monopoly schemes, too.