The NT Government has extended a public comment period for its workers’ compensation scheme review until February 28.

It is considering how to improve return to work, timing and amount of payments, definitions of “suitable employment”, mental health claims and journey claims.

A preliminary report with 29 recommendations says the territory should not reintroduce the right to bring common law actions against employers, but that parties should be able to negotiate lump sums.

Allianz, TIO, CGU, QBE and GIO are the active insurers in the privately underwritten scheme. The report says the insurers have, for most of the past decade, demanded inadequate premiums to meet claims and costs.