Example of a Letter that can be sent to your local MP about Workers Compensation

Dear ___________________

As a teacher, I am often put at risk of harm by the Department of Education and Training not ensuring my safety at work.

Such risks include back, neck and other injuries because I don't have ergonomic furniture. Also our storage space is inadequate and I often have to carry large numbers of books from room to room. I risk tripping over the frayed carpet or the potholes in the playground because there hasn't been sufficient money in the schools global budget to repair these things.

In subjects like industrial arts and science, teachers are put at risk because of inadequate dust or fume extractions and poorly designed work areas.

I am concerned that these changes to workers compensation will mean that if I'm injured because of the Department of Education and Training's negligence, I may not be able to claim common law damages.

I'm also concerned that a new approach to assessing permanent impairment under the guidelines may mean that I would receive fewer benefits than I do now.

I am aware that the government is holding an Inquiry into common law matters, and that they have agreed to a consultation process around the guidelines.

It appears that the government's agenda may be to reduce the costs so that they can privatise the Workers Compensation Scheme. The provision that allows this should be removed.

I work and I vote. If further changes result in me being disadvantaged in terms of common law or the Workers Compensation Scheme, I will remember who supported these changes.

Yours sincerely

For further information

Contact	:	Susan Sheather
Phone	:	+61 2 9264 1691
Email	:	s.sheather@labor.org.au
WWW	:	http://ohsnet.labor.net.au/ohsnet/news

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