Fixing Workers Comp: Industry Unites Behind Minns Government Reforms

On Tuesday this week, ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant attended a breakfast with Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis to discuss the reforms.

Together with the Australian Hotels Association NSW, Restaurant and Catering Australia, the Australian Childcare Alliance (NSW), and the Pharmacy Guild NSW, ClubsNSW released a joint statement urging all sides of politics to get behind the reforms and ensure they pass without delay.

Our message is simple: delaying reform will come at a significant cost — not just to employers and workers, but to the overall health of the scheme.

The state’s workers compensation scheme has seen a sharp rise in psychological injury claims in recent years, with mounting costs and structural issues that, according to the five industry groups, are discouraging recovery and preventing return to work. Without reform, some businesses, particularly in the hospitality and community sectors, could face premium increases of up to 36 per cent.

ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said the current system was no longer fit for purpose and welcomed the Government’s willingness to act.

“We applaud the Minns Labor Government for taking decisive and immediate action. The case for this workers compensation reform is clear and we do not need another inquiry,” she said.

“We encourage the NSW Parliament to seize this opportunity for bipartisan reform, creating a fair system for businesses and injured workers.”

The proposed legislation aims to strike a better balance. It supports workers with genuine psychological injuries while restoring the scheme’s original focus on rehabilitation and return to work. The joint statement also noted concerns that under current rules, employers are often left unable to respond to unsubstantiated claims, adding further strain to already stretched industries.

With five major industry groups standing together, the message to Parliament is unified: pass the bill and fix the system now.