Earlier today, ABILITY GROUP Owners Julie and Marc welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Honorable Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Minister for Work Health and Safety in New South Wales. During a broad-ranging discussion, ABILITY GROUP identified what is working well, the challenges faced by businesses and workers and recommended opportunities. ABILITY GROUP also sought the Minster’s input on the important role ABILITY GROUP can continue to perform in enhancing workers compensation, work, health and safety.
Held at the Minister’s office, with Policy Director Tom Craven, our meeting focused on the pivotal issues surrounding workers’ compensation and workplace safety.
Key items discussed:
- ABILITY GROUP’s background, core services (provided to businesses and workers) and advocacy role
- Background of the industry since Workcover split into Safework, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and icare (nominal insurer)
- Minster identified efficiency drive to streamline icare operations
- Psychological claims – general discussion concerning challenges, frequency and related matters
- The Minster talked about increasing competition via Claims Service Providers (CSP) and asked for our feedback/recommendations
- Opportunities to improve policy and process
- Previous cost-cutting exercises in the NSW scheme focus on medical-related costs yet impacts were felt in the wrong areas (linked to psychological claims
- icare’s re-focused approach and ensuring they have the right staff to drive outcomes in a more cost-effective manner
- Importance of injured workers being connected post-injury
- Minister congratulated us on our link with the community and Julie’s recent Community Sportsperson of the Year at Lane Cove Community Awards 2024
Minister asked ABILITY GROUP to continue:
- Advocating and educating NSW businesses with an emphasis on small to medium employers
- Seek ways to help enable businesses to focus on running their business and employing workers
- identify ideas/ways to help businesses (to discuss again with the Minister at a later stage)
Minister Cotsis expressed her appreciation for the detailed insights provided by Julie and Marc on behalf of our clients, partners and workers. The Minister also reiterated the NSW Government’s commitment to improving workers compensation and safety.
Our meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing on the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration. Marc and Julie from ABILITY GROUP were optimistic about the potential future changes and improvements that could result from our initial meeting.
In advance of our next meeting with Minister Cotsis, we will continue to proactively seek input and questions.