THE Victorian Government has drafted a Bill combining traditional accident compensation legislation in an effort to ease regulatory burdens associated with workers’ compensation claims.

The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Bill 2013 consolidates the Accident Compensation Act 1985 and the Accident Compensation (WorkCover Insurance) Act 1993 into a single document. Sections have been amended to reflect a more logical and sequential order and visual aids have been included to raise ease of use for employers and employees.

Assistant treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said the new document was largely structured on a no-policy-change basis, but will introduce a new avenue for appeal through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, complementing a similar right currently available through the Supreme Court.

“The current legislation is almost 30 years old and has been subject to more than 100 amendments so this clean rewrite and consolidation is significant, implementing legislation that will be easier for all employers and employees to use,” Mr Rich Phillips said.

“The Bill will help to ensure that Victoria’s workers compensation system continues to deliver the safest workplaces in Australia at the lowest average cost to business.”

Employer groups, unions, legal professionals and medical practitioners engaged in consultation on the Bill, which, if passed, will come into effect on 1 July 2014.

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