POPULAR WORDS

Queensland is set to retain a state-run workers' compensation insurance system following a positive independent review of competitive elements of the WorkCover Queensland Act. The National Competition Policy review, by state government agencies and economic consultants AEC Group, was released yesterday by the state government. Industrial Relations Minister Gordon Nuttall says the findings confirm WorkCover's reputation as the best performing workers' compensation scheme in the country, and reinforce the correctness of the government's rejection of a nationalised scheme. "Under this government, WorkCover Queensland is delivering the lowest employer premiums of any state in Australia, greater benefits to employees, while still maintaining a strong financial position," Nuttall says. Other changes earmarked for the scheme include separating Q-COMP (the regulatory arm) from the commercial operations, and allowing self-insurers to outsource claims-management functions. "WorkCover Queensland is more transparent and accountable to those who are the direct clients of the scheme – the employees and employers of Queensland," he says.