SIRA Bulletin – Issue 60
6 May 2024
I’m pleased to report that we have published our review of the Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) government employers’ workers compensation claims. This has been the single largest review undertaken by SIRA, reviewing 951 claim files across the TMF and interviews with representatives of stakeholders including unions, government employers, claims service providers and icare. The process has identified several areas of concern which we have addressed with suggested courses of action detailed in the report.
In other news, following an independent evaluation, our Workers Compensation Assist program has been implemented as an ongoing service to support people injured at work. We are delighted to be working with Self and Specialised Insurer and TMF portfolios, including Aldi, Toll, Department of Communities and Justice and local health districts within Ministry of Health NSW to provide education and impartial support to workers with an injury empowering them to drive their recovery.
Take some time to read more about these impactful pieces of work and some of the other highlights of the past month in the stories below.
Dr Petrina Casey
A/ Chief Executive
SIRA releases its Treasury Managed Fund Review Report
SIRA has released findings from its compliance audit and performance review of the Treasury Managed Fund government employers’ workers compensation claims. The robust review identifies areas of concern and suggested courses of action.
SIRA extends Workers Compensation Assist
SIRA awards $1 million to fund research into young driver behaviour to help make roads safer
SIRA has awarded $1 million to 2 research partners, the University of Melbourne and Suncorp (AAMI). They were chosen to undertake different innovative research projects that will seek to improve young driver behaviour and safety on the road.
SIRA publishes report on insurer recovery through work rates
SIRA has published the workers compensation insurer recovery through work performance report. The report measures insurer performance based on 3 key recovery through work metrics, which are the 13-week return to work, stay at work and working rates.
Indexation of weekly statutory benefits in motor accident claims – 1 April 2024
Weekly statutory benefits payable under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 must be indexed on 1 April each year. The Motor Accident Injuries (Indexation) Order 2024 has been published on the NSW Legislation website.
Nominal Insurer Audit Report November 2023
SIRA has conducted an audit to evaluate the claims management performance of Gallagher Bassett as a new Claims Service Provider to the Nominal Insurer, icare.
SIRA Board issues April 2024 communiqué
SIRA recently published the communiqué from the Board meeting held on 5 April 2024. The Board discussed the NSW Auditor General’s workers compensation claims management report and received a briefing on SIRA’s audit of Home Building insurance compliance.
Join a webinar about delivering care in the NSW personal injury schemes
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is hosting a webinar event on 13 May 2024 at 7:30pm. The event will discuss a variety of topics including applying value-based healthcare when treating people in the NSW personal injury schemes.