The WA Parliament has passed a bill to support healthcare employees who require access to workers’ compensation entitlements if they contract the COVID-19 virus.

Changes made to the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Bill 2020 include the provision of a presumption of work-related injury for specific diseases suffered in specified classes of employment.

Workers who catch the virus will also not be required to endure lengthy and costly claim investigations to prove they got infected at work under changes made to the bill.

“The passing of the bill follows calls from WA’s health unions and will help better protect our healthcare workers if the COVID-19 situation gets worse,” Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said.

“It's important the workers' compensation scheme does not unfairly burden or constrain the rights of health care workers.

“This bill will ensure they receive the support they need from providing essential services to the WA community.”