INJURED workers should be entitled to support under the states’ various workers’ compensation schemes.
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A Wodonga man, injured at an Albury workplace, has spoken out after recent changes to the NSW WorkCover system left him out of pocket after the NSW government reduced employers’ WorkCover premiums by 7.5 per cent.
Graeme Kidd has been assessed as having a condition that is likely to deteriorate, as well as being totally incapacitated for his pre-injury work duties as a driver, labourer or welder.
He said the NSW system had previously been inferior to the system in Victoria and the changes under the O’Farrell government had made it even worse.
It is also unlikely he will have the right to sue for general damages for pain and suffering and the loss of enjoyment of life, in spite of his entitlements declining under the changes in NSW.
The NSW government has made the changes aiming to rein in the state’s $4 billion debt and possible premium increases of up to 28 per cent.
But if, in doing so, they have reduced the support for those with a legitimate claim for compensation then they are changes that should be reconsidered to maintain fairness for everyone.
