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COMMITTEE’S REPORT

The Finance and Administration Committee tabled its Report No. 23, 54^th Parliament, South East Queensland Water (Restructuring) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 on 22 November 2012. The Minister tabled the response to the committee’s recommendations on 29 November 2012. The Bill was passed by the Parliament on 29 November 2012. The Parliament debated the report on 22 August 2013.

The Minister tabled an interim response on 26 August 2013 - interim response available. The Minister tabled the final response on 15 October 2013 - final response available.

ABOUT THE INQUIRY

The Manager of Government Business, Mr Ray Stevens MP, introduced the inquiry referral on 7 June 2012. See: Member's referral motion

On 7 June 2012 the Legislative Assembly agreed to a motion that the Finance and Administration Committee inquire into and report on the operation of Queensland's workers' compensation scheme.

In particular the committee is required to consider:

• the performance of the scheme in meeting its objectives under section 5 of the Act;
• how the Queensland workers' compensation scheme compares to the scheme arrangements in other Australian jurisdictions;
• WorkCover's current and future financial position and its impact on the Queensland economy, the State's competitiveness and employment growth;
• whether the reforms implemented in 2010 have addressed the growth in common law claims and claims cost that was evidenced in the scheme from 2007-08;
• whether the current self-insurance arrangements legislated in Queensland continue to be appropriate for the contemporary working environment;
• in conducting the inquiry, the committee should also consider and report on implementation of the recommendations of the Structural Review of Institutional and Working Arrangements in Queensland's Workers' Compensation Scheme.

PUBLIC BRIEFINGS, PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC FORUMS

The committee held the following public departmental briefings at Parliament House in Brisbane: 11/07/2012 - Transcript; 28/11/2012 – Transcript; 20/03/2013 - Transcript

The committee held the following public hearings at Parliament House in Brisbane to hear from invited witnesses: 31/10/2012 - Transcript - 14/11/2012 – Transcript - 16/11/2012 - Transcript  

The Committee held the following public forums in Mackay and Cairns to hear from interested parties:

Mackay - 27 August 2012 - Transcript
Cairns - 28 August 2012 - Transcript

SUBMISSIONS

The closing date for submissions was 3 September 2012. To view, click on “View Submissions” tab above.

At the Committee's departmental briefing on November 28, Q-Comp submitted a proposal aimed at reducing red tape. A copy of the proposal can be viewed under the Related Publications tab. The Committee sought further submissions from interested stakeholders regarding the impacts of such a scheme should it be implemented. The Committee also wished to provide all stakeholders with the opportunity to provide any new or additional information to bring to the Committee's attention. 

Submissions closed on 22 March 2013.