On 12 June 2017 Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston announced the Western Australian Government was drafting a bill to benefit the dependants of workers who die at work.
As at 1 July 2017 the maximum payable to the deceased worker's dependant spouse/partner under the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 is $308,339.
The Government plans to increase this to $554,727, to be indexed annually.
Any qualifying offspring are also entitled to a childrens' allowance which as at 1 July 2017 is $58.90 per week.
This is proposed to more than double to $133, also indexed annually.
Equality of access is also proposed for de facto partners and married spouses. The Government is concerned that de facto partners are denied compensation in certain circumstances because of outdated definitions, so the Bill will remove this legislative impediment.
We also understand the Bill will –
The Minister said –
We will continue to monitor the progress of the Bill and provide regular updates.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
Kott Gunning is a proud member of 