Benefits will be capped and there will be more options to manage claims under proposed changes to the NT workers’ compensation scheme.

People with non-serious injuries should receive benefits for up to five years rather than an unlimited time, according to business consultants George Roussos and Mark Crossin, who reviewed the scheme.

A step down, or reduction in benefits, would start after 26 weeks.

The current scheme does not discriminate between less seriously hurt people and those with serious injury. It is privately underwritten by Allianz, CGU, GIO, QBE and the Territory Insurance Office.

The average premium last year was 2.31% of wages, making it one of the more expensive schemes in the country. The funding ratio is 92%.

About 31% of claims costs are for lump sum payments, although the legislation has no provision for these as a means to finalise claims.

The review’s 58 recommendations include allowing for negotiated settlements while retaining the ban on common law action by workers. Medical certificates should focus on workers’ capacity, and the legislation should provide for return-to-work plans.

The review says workers should be compensated for “ordinary diseases of life”, such as heart attacks and strokes, only when employment is the real or dominant cause. People should be allowed legal representation at mediation, with the cost borne by employers and insurers.