Changes to workers’ compensation legislation were passed by the WA Parliament last week in a bid to provide more clarity for insurers and injured workers. The WA scheme involves both brokers and insurers.

The Workers’ Compensation Common Law Proceedings Bill 2004 will alter weekly and medical benefits, and will also assess impairment level rather than just disability.

Daryl Cameron, the Insurance Council of Australia’s Regional Manager for WA and the NT, says WA is the last state to replace disability with impairment provisions, and the changes clarify 1999 legislation. “This bill offers more certainty in the way insurers have been applying intent to common law liabilities.”

More workers’ compensation legislation will be considered by the Parliament in Perth today, including the Workers’ Compensation Amendment Bill 2004, which gives injured workers 13 weeks’ pay and a higher maximum weekly payout.