Regulation of return to work assistance to include new benefits
We sought feedback on the development of a new regulation to govern two new return to work assistance benefits.
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The Issue
Consultation period: 12/11/2015 12:00 am to 10/12/2015 12:00 am
A range of reforms were introduced to the NSW workers compensation system following the passing of the Workers Compensation Amendment Act 2015. These reforms include two new return to work assistance benefits.
We led the development of a new regulation to govern the design and operation of these benefits and sought feedback from stakeholders about their view on how the benefits should operate.
The discussion paper outlined some key considerations in relation to the new return to work assistance benefits and presented targeted questions for consideration.
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Milestones
- 12 November - 10 December 2015: Submissions were open
- December 2015: A submissions summary, which provides a high-level overview of the key themes articulated in the submissions received, was published.
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Outcomes
On 29 April 2016, the two new return to work assistance benefits commenced, being:
- new employer assistance (of up to $1000) for eligible workers who are unable to return to work with their pre-injury employer and need assistance in starting with a new employer; and
- education or training assistance (of up to $8000) for eligible workers who require education or training to assist them to return to work.
More information is available in the guidelines for claiming workers compensation.
Any questions or enquiries should be emailed to [email protected].