17/12/2025

Recommendations made following the independent review of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, the legislation underpinning the Comcare workers compensation scheme, have been welcomed by lawyers who represent injured workers.

“We urge the Government to engage with the findings of the review and urgently implement the recommendations made by the reviewers,” said Mr Ian Murray, National President, Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).

“We don’t believe that a complete redrafting of the SRC Act is necessary, but many of the recommendations complement each other and will work most effectively if implemented as a package.

“We are particularly pleased to see the report recommend providing early payments to injured workers, support for commutation of claims, the removal of the cap on common law claims for non-economic loss and implementation of the ‘last noisy employer’ liability.

“Recommendations that will improve return to work outcomes and help injured people find suitable work are also very welcome.”

This review was one of the most comprehensive examinations of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act since the scheme’s inception in 1988 and considered how Comcare processes should be adapted to new and emerging workplace challenges.

“The recommendations demonstrate that the reviewers really listened to the lived experiences of the injured workers who gave evidence to the inquiry. It was pleasing to see a review which truly focuses on the experience and outcomes for injured workers,” said Ian.

“This is in contrast with recent discussions around workers compensation in some other states and territories which have been more focused on insurers and financial savings. “It is critical that the Comcare scheme, like all workers compensation schemes, is focused on helping injured workers navigate their healing and their claims and does not traumatise or re-traumatise those workers in the process of seeking compensation.”

The Australian Lawyers Alliance is a not for profit membership association for legal professionals and many of its members represent injured workers.