Insurers are supporting moves to streamline WorkCover WA claims settlement and give injured workers quick access to injury management, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says.

CEO Rob Whelan told a review of the scheme that ICA members support 102 of the 182 proposals in a WorkCover discussion paper. They believe others need more work and oppose 17 recommendations.

ICA says effective return to work must be at the centre of the scheme, “as well as a clear focus on treatment and rehabilitation, rather than lump-sum compensation”.

The insurers do not support changes to the definition of “worker”, arguing WA’s current definition is well understood.

They also want changes to how weekly payments are calculated and oppose a proposal on compensation for permanent impairment, claiming this could see finalisation rates drop.

“This proposal may have a significant effect on scheme costs because it may increase the level of outstanding liabilities if claims are required to remain open for a considerable period of time.”

ICA members also object to proposed changes to how medical certificate examinations and fatalities are dealt with.