Sick and injured employees are taking too long to return to work according to hundreds of frustrated employers who claim the workers compensation system is "convoluted and expensive."
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On Tuesday, over 30 local employers attended the first of four reviews into 'workers compensation arrangements' to be held across the state this week.
The review is being carried out by the NSW Statutory Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), and is being undertaken by Janet Dore, who has been commissioned to "undertake a compliance and performance review of the NSW workers compensation Nominal Insurer managed by icare", and it's agents.
As well as the 30 in attendance on the day, hundreds of written submissions have also been filed with RISA for the review.
"Employers are frustrated at lack of information, lack of investigation and lack of clarity about how premiums are set," Ms Dore said.
"They want a system that is easy to navigate, and employers also want to be involved in an injured workers recovery - they want to participate and at the moment they are not.
"This review is about ensuring there is the best possible system for NSW to keep productivity and safety high on everybody's agenda."
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The reforms, brought into practice in 2016 saw the Workcover Authority split into four separate rolls of regulation, insurance, safety and complaints, with many employers suggesting a lack of collaboration between the functions.
NSW Business Chamber regional manager Joe Townsend welcomed the review after receiving "many reports from businesses across NSW complaining of poor administration."
"These complaints include a lack of appropriate checking of claims, lengthy delays and poor advice and support for both employers and employees," Mr Townsend said.
"At first we thought the complaints might have been transitional, but it has now built to the point where a review was necessary.
"We don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water - it is great that SIRA have appointed Janet (Dore) to take a good hard look at how everything is working and provide recommendations."
Further reviews will be held in Newcastle, Illawarra and Wagga later this week, with findings to be published by the end of the year.