The NSW workers’ comp system might be in disarray and piling up a deficit at more than $1 million a day, but the chances of it falling into private insurers’ hands are now very remote.

Despite passing legislation last year that allows for private underwriting, NSW Industrial Relations Minister John Della Bosca has rejected any suggestion that the scheme will be privatised.

In a statement last week, Mr Della Bosca – a major power in the NSW ALP – said privatisation has “never been under consideration”.

In fact, what is being considered is the complete removal of the private underwriting option entirely from the legislation.

Mr Della Bosca’s comments come in the wake of massive union opposition to changes in the workers’ comp regulations. His new stand indicates a major change in policy, highlighting the Government’s reluctance to stir the pot any further with hostile unions and even some employer groups.

The latest amendments to the workers’ comp legislation have been stalled in the Legislative Council, where the opposition and independents have proposed 190 amendments. That should keep it tied up for quite a while.