08/08/2025

Lawyers who represent injured workers are seriously concerned about the introduction of a second workers compensation bill into NSW Parliament.

“It is appropriate that the previous bill was referred to committee for proper scrutiny and consideration,” said Shane Butcher, spokesperson for the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).

“The reforms proposed to the workers compensation scheme will have a significant impact on the lives of people injured at work. It is simply not appropriate to rush through changes like this without proper and careful review.”

The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill 2025 introduced to parliament this week is very similar to the government’s previous bill which is the subject of an ongoing Inquiry by the Public Accountability and Works Committee.

“Injured workers, unions, legal organisations, employer groups and businesses have all reviewed the original legislation and provided submissions and feedback. Our democracy relies on Government paying due regard to consultation and the usual parliamentary process,” said Mr Butcher.

The Public Accountability and Works Committee has committed to a further day of hearing on 7 October 2025 where it intends to listen to the evidence of lived experiences by injured workers.

“It is vital that this hearing take place to provide those most effected by the changes a voice in the parliamentary process. To the extent that the introduction of the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill 2025 puts that in jeopardy then it should be condemned,” said Mr Butcher.

“We need to remember that this legislation will affect the lives of everyday Australians who have been injured at work. It is critical that the Government does not try to push through new legislation that has not been properly considered.”

The ALA is a not-for-profit member organisation made up of legal professionals, many of whom represent injured workers.