Changes to workplace laws
Queensland employers and workers will be affected by new workplace laws relating to compensation, licensing and wages records. The changes became law when Parliament passed The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2007 (PDF, 585 KB) in October 2007.
Workers’ compensation
The amendment increases weekly compensation payable from 65 per cent of normal weekly earnings (NWE) to 75 per cent of NWE for the period from 26 weeks to five years. In addition, the threshold to claim an additional lump sum has been reduced from 50 per cent work-related impairment (WRI) to 30 per cent WRI and the maximum additional lump sum has increased from $182,620 to $218,400. The amendments apply for all injuries on or after 1 January 2008.
Workplace health and safety
The legislation establishes a Licensing Review Committee to review workplace health and safety inspectors’ decisions regarding occupational licences and to take appropriate disciplinary action against holders of occupational licences. The Committee has the power to order a wide range of disciplinary actions including cautions, orders to undertake training, fines, suspension and cancellation.
In addition, the amendment:
- removes the 10 day requirement to lodge Form 34 upon appointment of a principal contractor
- re-defines ‘structure’ in line with others states, by removing reference to ‘steel and reinforced concrete’ in relation to construction work
- clarifies the principal contractor provisions in the case of residential construction as the person in control of the construction work.
Electrical safety
The legislation amends various sections of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (PDF, 788 KB) and requires that electrical work be supervised or performed only by someone with a relevant electrical work licence. Other amendments provide for establishment of a detailed licence register, an increased range of disciplinary options and clarification of options regarding seizure of electrical equipment that may cause or potentially cause an electrical risk.
Industrial relations
The legislation amends employers’ obligations and requires them to keep time and wages records for former and current employees for six years.
Table of contents | New wiring rules
Last updated 22 July 2008