Benefits to be capped, journey claims out in WorkCover overhaul

Finance Minister Greg Pearce, said the reforms ensured injured workers would get the treatment they needed to return to the workforce.

‘‘The government has a clear focus to ensure the scheme gets back to meeting its key aims - supporting injured workers through rehabilitation, getting them back to work, and remaining financially sustainable,’’ he said.

The workers compensation scheme has been costing the state up to $9 million a day, he said.

‘‘It's $4 billion deficit is spiralling out of control and we simply cannot afford to wait around,’’ he said.

Unions have protested against the proposed changes, including mass rallies in Wollongong.‘

Weekly benefits will be reduced after 13 weeks, replacing the current system of a 100 per cent payout for 26 weeks.

A one-year cap for the payment of medical benefits will also be introduced, with an exemption for the seriously injured.

Journey to work claims have been abolished.

The bill, which is expected to be introduced into parliament today, will apply retrospectively to existing claims.

The government has previously warned premiums will rise by 28 per cent unless WorkCover is reformed.

Premier Barry O’Farrell wants the reforms passed by parliament this week and has told MPs they can’t break for the winter recess until the new laws are in place.

Police officers are exempt from any changes to WorkCover because they experienced drastic changes to their own death and disability scheme last year.