Following a review of the Comcare scheme, the Minister for Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, has announced a number of improvements to the scheme.

The Comcare scheme provides workers compensation and OHS arrangements for Australian Government employees and for the employees of some private corporations which self-insure under the scheme.

The purpose of the review was to ensure that Comcare is a suitable OHS and workers compensation system for self-insurers and their employees.

In considering the improvements to the Comcare scheme, the Government had regard to the Report on the Review of Self Insurance Arrangements under the Comcare Scheme, prepared by the Department. 

The improvements include a statutory time limit for claims, reinstating workers’ compensation coverage for off-site recess breaks, and continuing to pay medical and related costs where weekly compensation benefits are suspended.

For more information see the media release.