The Victorian Government has introduced legislation to improve benefits under the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and WorkSafe schemes and establish a statutory watchdog to oversee dispute resolution.

Finance Minister Robin Scott, who introduced the Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill to Parliament, says the reform will ease the burden on trauma victims.

“It’s critical that Victorians who are injured in the workplace or on our roads receive timely and fair compensation with ready access to rehabilitation and return-to-work services,” he said.

Under the Bill the Accident Compensation Conciliation Service will be created to ensure the accountability of Victoria’s independent workers’ compensation dispute resolution.

From July 1 next year the qualifying age for the federal pension will begin progressively increasing to age 67.

The proposed legislation changes the maximum age for compensation accordingly, ensuring people on weekly benefits for road or workplace accidents do not miss out on income support.

The bill also lets family members of road accident victims claim up to $5000 in travel and accommodation expenses to attend funerals.