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The NSW Upper House’s Standing Committee on Law and Justice this week began a joint review of the Dust Diseases and Lifetime Care and Support schemes.
Public submissions are now being accepted as part of the review.
The committee previously examined the schemes in 2014. At that time the exercise of the functions of the Dust Diseases Board and the Lifetime Care and Support Authority were reviewed separately in relation to their respective schemes.
In 2015, the state government introduced legislation which significantly reformed the state’s insurance and compensation schemes, including the establishment of the new Dust Diseases Authority. Both the Dust Diseases Authority and the Lifetime Care and Support Authority are now part of a new organisation, Insurance and Care NSW (icare).
Committee chair Shayne Mallard said this is the committee’s first review of the schemes since the implementation of the reforms.
“The committee will be looking at the performance and efficiency of the schemes, client satisfaction levels, and operational effectiveness,” he said.
“We are very keen to hear from stakeholders on these issues, and are particularly interested in their experiences since the introduction of the structural changes to the schemes.
“Submissions to the review are due by Sunday, April 23, 2017. Stakeholders should note that the terms of reference do prevent us from investigating individual claims.”
- For more information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference and information about making a submission, visit parliament.nsw.gov.au/lawandjustice. Also mesothelioma.com