WORKCOVER BILL CONTAINS HIDDEN NASTIES

4 March 2008

SA Unions says it's reading of the WorkCover Bill before Parliament shows it contains some hidden nasties.

An Independent MP, Kris Hanna has pointed out in calling for a special privileges committee, the devil is in the detail.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says she has taken the time to read the Bill and give it careful consideration.

"Despite what the Premier says, it is our understanding that it is in fact retrospective for many workers."

"It means that if this Bill gets through in its current form, any worker injured for more than 2 1/2 years would instantly have their support cut off."

"It is our opinion that this Bill goes far further than the recommendations in the Clayton Report."

"We are concerned by suggestions that this issue is being run by Deputy Premier, Kevin Foley, the Chair of WorkCover, Bruce Carter and a tranche of WorkCover lawyers, and that Premier Mike Rann may not have been properly debriefed."

The original Act is over 150 pages and the Bill to amend the Act is 75 pages.  The amendments are complex and detailed.  Even qualified Adelaide lawyers are currently spending days to properly examine the detail.

"The Bill should be delayed in order for proper analysis including the impact of any changes on injured workers.  It is untenable that such a huge piece of detailed legislation is passed through the Parliament without members of Parliament, including the Premier, really understanding its implications," Ms Giles said.