NSW: Carr denies backbench revolt over workers compensation

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2001
NSW: Carr denies backbench revolt over workers compensation

SYDNEY, April 24 AAP - NSW Premier Bob Carr today denied his government was experiencing
a backbench revolt over its proposed workers' compensation reforms.

The comments came as three more Labor MPs added their names to the list of government
dissenters to the proposed overhaul of WorkCover laws.

There are now 38 Labor MPs wanting changes to the bill which was introduced into parliament
by Industrial Relations Minister John Della Bosca.

Mr Carr said the legislation would be amended with the interests of injured workers in mind.

"The government has said that after talking to the unions, it will be amending the
legislation," Mr Carr told reporters.

"(The MPs) are echoing what Mr Della Bosca said and what I've said over the last three weeks.

"The reason we set up consultation with the union movement is to hear their views about
every aspect of the legislation."

However, Mr Carr said the scheme had to be reformed, claiming a $2 billion deficit
in WorkCover would blow out to $3 billion unless it was overhauled.

AAP ls/bd/rp/jas/sb

KEYWORD: WORKERSCOMP CARR

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.