On the 4th of December 2015, icare (previously known as WorkCover NSW) announced further changes as a component of the NSW government ongoing NSW workers compensation reforms.
The latest reforms include benefit changes to injured employees in need of the highest benefits being those with a Whole Person Impairment (WPI) of >30%. In addition to this there were several other as well as additional changes.
Mental health issues are becoming increasingly common in Australian workplaces and from a workers compensation perspective they are 7-8 times more expensive than physical injury related claims. A recent PWC study found mental health issues cost Australian businesses $10.9B a year in lost productivity. The study also suggests poor mental health is likely to impact 1 in 5 employees. So what are the common mental health disorders?
Unofficial industry views indicate the recent NSW workers compensation legislation and premium formula changes resulted in 70% of medium to large businesses expecting higher 2015/16 Renewal Premiums. ABILITY GROUP has already won NSW iCare appeals on behalf of our clients reducing premiums payable. Higher renewal & need help?
![Carmen [Square]](http://abilitygroup.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Carmen-Square-150x150.png)
The workers compensation industry has a significant departure this month with our wonderful Carmen Sherry deciding to retire. Carmen has been in the industry for over 40 years having worked in a variety of specialist roles with MMI, Allianz, Suncorp GIO, Employers Mutual and most recently ABILITY GROUP. Julie remembers clearly her first interview at age 17 with Carmen and from that date on Carmen was instrumental in shaping Julie’s career, workers compensation expertise and transition to business owner. As with many growing businesses our people are like family and with Carmen’s retirement we will certainly sadly miss her fun, charismatic and lively personality.
From a transition perspective, Adam Peatey will assume responsibility for the brokers and clients Carmen has supported. Adam can be contacted on (02) 9098-5504, 0411210209 or adam.peatey@abilitygroup.com.au.
We are excited to welcome Adam Peatey to ABILITY GROUP. Adam is an accomplished expert possessing approaching 20 years’ workers compensation experience in broker and client relationship management, injury / claims, underwriting, premium management and gaining all other facets of the industry gained across businesses of all sizes and industries.
Having worked closely with Adam as our Employers Mutual Relationship Manager for the last 3-4 years, we were excited when Adam wanted to join our team. With Carmen retiring, we are very happy to ensure the exceptional level of client and broker support will continue via Adam and as supported by Julie, Marc and the rest of the team.