ANMF concerns over Return to Work Scheme Impairment Assessment Guidelines

23 June 2021

The ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM has written to the State Treasurer Rob Lucas outlining the ANMF’s concerns at proposed changes to the Return to Work Scheme Impairment Assessment Guidelines.

“The ANMF (SA Branch) represents more than 22,000 nurses, midwives and care workers in South Australia,’’ Ms Dabars wrote.

“We recently became alert to proposed changes to the Return to Work Scheme Impairment Assessment Guidelines.

“We note with concern that there has been no attempt made to consult on this proposal with the ANMF (SA Branch).

“We write to advise that we believe that these changes would have a materially deleterious effect on workers, including those we represent. This is in the context of the existing scheme that we already believe to be grossly unfair on injured workers.’’

In summary, the Impairment Assessment Guidelines allow that:

  • When you injure yourself at work you can claim compensation for lost wages and medical expenses.
  • In addition, you are able to have your injury assessed for permanent impairment once it has stabilised.
  • The Impairment Assessment Guidelines are used to assess the degree of permanent impairment arising from work related injuries which if over 5% will result in a lump sum payment.
  • The Guidelines are intended to provide an objective, fair and consistent method for assessing permanent impairment and are used in conjunction with the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (5th ed).
  • The Return to Work Act 2014 requires that doctors assessing your injuries do so in accordance with the Guidelines.
  • It has been proposed that the Guidelines be changed to provide consistency when assessing injuries. 
  • The ANMF opposes these changes as they will result in the overall lowering of impairments.

The ANMF asks that the Government:

  1. Rejects the proposed guidelines
  2. Reviews the Return to Work Scheme, in conjunction with unions, in order to improve the scheme to ensure fairness to workers
  3. Refocuses emphasis to improving the system by a focus on injury prevention. This should benefit workers and employers alike by reducing injury and therefore also reducing liability.

We will continue to seek a response regarding the proposed changes to the Return to Work Scheme Impairment Assessment Guidelines and keep members informed of the outcomes.