Improving occupational health and safety, rehabilitation and workers' compensation in the Commonwealth jurisdiction.
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The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission is a statutory body that seeks improvement in occupational health and safety, rehabilitation and workers' compensation in the Commonwealth jurisdiction.
The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission is established under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act). The commission is a statutory body with regulatory functions in relation to Comcare and other authorities which determine workers' compensation claims under the Commonwealth scheme. The commission also has an oversight role under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act).
The SRC Act also establishes Comcare which has its own regulatory functions as well as claims management functions.
Role
The commission administers the regulatory functions of the SRC Act other than those functions ascribed to Comcare. The SRC Act establishes the workers' compensation scheme covering Commonwealth employees and the employees of licensed corporations. The scheme is characterised by an integrated and cost effective approach to injury prevention, workers' compensation and occupational rehabilitation.
The WHS Act complements the SRC Act, providing a regulatory framework aimed at reducing occupational injury and disease. This framework includes advisory and enforcement functions, and a system of penalties and sanctions.
Functions
The major functions of the commission are to
- ensure equity of outcomes under the SRC Act
- provide advice to the Minister
- provide advice and guidance to the jurisdiction
- grant, extend and vary self-insurance licences.
Responsible Minister
The commission operates within the Minister's portfolio, reporting to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.