Mental health group urges NSW government to pause its workers’ compensation reform
Australians for Mental Health has issued a plea to the state government to slow down its controversial changes to workers' compensation laws.
The legislation before parliament today has been improved from the exposure draft released a few weeks ago, but still falls short of the whole-system reform needed to address the workplace mental health crisis.
“We welcome the revisions the government has made. It shows our policy makers are listening, but still requiring someone to be so unwell that they can barely function before receiving the long-term support they need is alarming,” Australians for Mental Health Chief Executive Chris Gambian said.
“We agree the current workers compensation system is unsustainable, but overhauling it so quickly could take away vital support for the likes of first responders, teachers, nurses and social workers; people who are exposed to traumatic experiences every day.
“The government must get serious about addressing the root causes of workplace psychological injury claims. Cutting off the support isn’t going to stop people from getting injured. It will just discourage them from getting help, and could lead to a further deterioration in their mental health,” Chris Gambian said.
It its submission to the inquiry into the workers' compensation changes, Australians for Mental Health called for the government to consider the following:
• Design jobs to meet workers’ wellbeing needs, including those with pre‑existing conditions
• Hold employers accountable for maintaining psychologically safe workplaces
• Resolve workplace relationship issues quickly and focus on rebuilding trust rather than litigating
• Provide adequate interim supports so distressed workers can focus on recovery
• Ensure long‑term care is available for those who need it
“The state government must slow this down and do it properly because for many struggling workers, this kind of help is a lifeline,” Chris Gambian said.
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About Australians for Mental Health:
Australians for Mental Health is a citizen‑led campaign founded by Professor Patrick McGorry that works for an Australia where every person’s mental health needs are recognised and met in every part of life, work and community.