A comprehensive review into the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 has commenced.
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On 24 June 2024, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Tony Burke MP, announced Ms Justine Ross as Chair of the independent panel to undertake a comprehensive review of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth) (SRC Act). Minister Burke also announced Professor Robin Creyke AO and Mr Greg Isolani as the panel members.
The review will make recommendations to the Government to inform future legislative reform of the SRC Act. The panel brings a range of relevant expertise across workers’ compensation, legal frameworks, claimant experience and government policy.
The department will provide secretariat support to the independent review panel.
The SRC Act underpins the Comcare workers’ compensation scheme.
Terms of reference
The terms of reference for the review addresses all aspects of the scheme, including governance, usability and entitlements.
Stakeholder participation
The terms of reference note the panel will consult with a tripartite reference group representing unions, employers and government during the review.
The panel will also conduct public consultations and engage with key stakeholders throughout the review.
Further information, including how to engage in the review process will be made available on the website.
Independent panel members
Ms Justine Ross (Panel Chair)
Ms Ross brings over 20 years’ experience in relevant areas of law to the review. Ms Ross was Chief Executive Officer of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency for 5 years from 2018 and has extensive public service legal and policy experience including in Work, Health and Safety (WHS), workers' compensation and industrial relations. Ms Ross is a former member of Safe Work Australia and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.
Professor Robin Creyke AO
Professor Creyke is an Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University and has extensive practical and academic experience in administrative law. Professor Creyke is a former Member of the Administrative Review Council of Australia and a former Senior Member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and a member of the Expert Advisory Group to Guide Reform to Australia’s System of Administrative Review.
Mr Gregory Isolani
Mr Isolani has extensive experience as a legal representative in personal injury and workers’ compensation matters, including in representing claimants under the Comcare scheme. In 2001 Mr Isolani founded KCI Lawyers, who specialise in military and Commonwealth compensation matters. Mr Isolani has appeared before several Senate and Government committees on military and Commonwealth compensation issues.
Final report
Recommendations from the panel are expected within 12 months of review commencement.
More information
Further information and updates on the review, including the consultation process will be made available on this page.
Queries about the review can be sent to srcactreview@dewr.gov.au
Announcements
Find more information about the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act review announcement.
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For further information on the Review of the Safety, Rehabilitations and Compensation Act 1988, please contact our team srcactreview@dewr.gov.au