Andrew Murray (WA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Wong, the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Minister, are you aware that there is a lack of consistency in workers compensation laws that cover employees beyond retirement age? Are you aware that in New South Wales a worker injured after turning 65 can receive a maximum of 12 months income support from WorkCover, but in Victoria and Queensland age is no barrier to workers compensation? In South Australia, an injured worker aged between 65 and 70 can receive a maximum of six months income support, but that cuts out at age 70. However, in Western Australia workers over the age of 65 are ineligible for income maintenance, with only their medical expenses being covered. Given the need for older workers to be encouraged to remain in the workforce, what does the minister intend to do to ensure that there is national consistency for injured workers over the age of retirement?