N A T 1 O N A L
I N S U R A N C E
B R O K E R S
A S S O C I A T I O N
A.B.N. 94 006 093 849

28 November 2003

The Secretary
National Workers' Compensation and OHS Inquiry Productivity Commission
P 0 Box 80
Belconnen ACT 2616

Dear Sir

Response to Interim Report

The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) supports the general approach adopted in the Productivity Commission's Interim Report on National Worker's
Compensation and OH&S Frameworks.

The need for a national approach to worker's compensation and OH&S has been obvious for some time. The Interim Report provides a workable means of achieving that important end.

Provided there is little delay with implementation of each step, the staged approach should mean that all corporate employers have access to national arrangements within a reasonable time frame.

NIBA strongly supports the idea of the Commonwealth establishing a broad-based national scheme for all corporate employers that would be underwritten by private sector insurers and incorporate a self-insurance scheme for employers that are able to satisfy certain prudential and other requirements.

The arrangements, when fully implemented, will mean that all corporate employers, both large and small will have increased options and choices available to them for handling their workers compensation responsibilities. The increased flexibility flowing from the proposed arrangements will encourage innovative behavior and more effective ways of dealing with all aspects of workers compensation and OH&S issues.
Noel Pettersen
Chief Executive Officer

National Insurance Brokers Association of Australia
Level 18, 111 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060
Phone 02 9964 9400 Toll Free 1800 252 558 Fax 02 9964 9332 www. niba.com.au