Welcome to the AREEA Member Portal

Login

Register

Is your company a member of AREEA?  Register now to access the Member Portal

Welcome to the AREEA Member Portal

News, information and resources in one location for your access to ongoing support.

From fact sheets, guides and reference libraries to breaking news, the portal is your comprehensive and exclusive reference tool.

Have your say on the Review of the Seafarers, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act

The Federal Government is undertaking a review of the Seacare Scheme. The aim of the review is stated to be, ‘to modernise the federal seafarer’s workers’ compensation scheme to ensure it is working effectively and efficiently for Australia’s seafarers.’

By 22 February 2012, the reviewer is to inquire and report to the Minister on the following terms of reference:

1. The coverage of the Seacare Scheme, including:
a. the interaction of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 (OHS(MI) Act) with State and Territory schemes and the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006;
b. a legislative framework for the Seacare scheme that identifies the relevant coverage for a particular maritime activity; and
c. the availability and scope for exemptions from the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 (Seafarers Act).

2. The scope and necessity for amending and updating any legislative inconsistencies in the Seacare scheme, including:
a. any provisions in the legislation which need to be updated;
b. ensuring consistency between the Seafarers Act and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act); and
c. legislative changes required to the OHS(MI) Act to ensure consistency with the model work health and safety laws.

3. The scope for amending the Seafarers Act to help reduce workers’ compensation premium costs.

4. The governance arrangements for the Seacare scheme.

AREEA members are invited to participate in AREEA’s response to the review through two avenues.

First, the reviewer, Mr Robin Stewart-Crompton, wishes to engage with AREEA members about issues relevant to the review. A meeting has been arranged for Thursday, 6 December 2012, from 2pm to 4pm (Brisbane time). Members are invited to participate in person, at AREEA’s Brisbane office (level 6, 232 Adelaide Street, Brisbane) and via teleconference.

Second, AREEA is preparing a written submission, due by 19 December 2012. Your views and information are invited for inclusion in the submission.

A discussion paper is available from the review’s webpage, click here.

To participate in AREEA’s response to the Seacare review, please contact Julie Copley, Senior Policy Advisor – Industry, on 0408 867 575 or at: [email protected].

Create your AREEA Member login

Register