Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Accident Compensation Act 1985 - SECT 20

Functions of the Authority

20. Functions of the Authority



(1) The functions of the Authority are to-

   (a)  administer the WorkCover Authority Fund;

   (aa) receive and assess and accept or reject claims for compensation;



   (b)  pay compensation to persons entitled to compensation under this Act;



   (ba) administer the Uninsured Employers and Indemnity Scheme under the
        Accident Compensation (WorkCover Insurance) Act 1993;

   (c)  regulate and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to
        self-insurers;



   (d)  ensure that the scheme of accident compensation is competitive and
        fully-funded;

   (da) establish and fund a WorkCover Advisory Service;



   (e)  conduct or defend proceedings before a court or tribunal;

   (f)  provide insurance for the purposes of this Act and the
        Accident Compensation (WorkCover Insurance) Act 1993;



   (g)  defend actions against employers under this Act and at common law;



   (ga) determine, collect and recover premiums payable for WorkCover
        insurance policies issued in accordance with the
        Accident Compensation (WorkCover Insurance) Act 1993;



* * * * *





   (k)  undertake and provide funds for the undertaking of research and
        educational programs for the purpose of assisting the Authority in
        achieving its objectives or performing its functions;

   (l)  initiate and encourage research to identify efficient and effective
        strategies for the prevention of occupational injury and disease and
        for the rehabilitation of persons who suffer any such injury or
        disease;

   (m)  ensure the availability of high quality education and training in such
        prevention and rehabilitation;

   (n)  develop equitable and effective programs to identify areas of
        unnecessarily high cost to the workers compensation system and, as far
        as practicable, to reduce those costs;

   (o)  foster a co-operative consultative relationship between management and
        labour in relation to the health, safety and welfare of persons at
        work;

   (p)  encourage liaison between employers, accredited occupational
        rehabilitation service providers, medical practitioners and other
        health professionals in the interests of early and effective
        rehabilitation of injured workers;

   (q)  identify (and as far as practicable minimise or remove) disincentives
        for injured workers to return to work or for employers to employ
        injured workers;

   (r)  implement measures to deter and detect fraudulent workers compensation
        claims;



   (s)  develop programs to meet the special needs of target groups, including
        workers who suffer severe injuries, and injured workers who are unable
        to return to their pre-injury occupation;

   (t)  provide assistance in relation to the establishment and operation of
        occupational rehabilitation programs of employers;

   (ta) develop and implement programs to provide incentives for employers-

   (i)  to implement measures designed to prevent injuries and diseases at
        workplaces; and

   (ii) to improve occupational health and safety and return to work results;

   (u)  facilitate the development of rehabilitation plans and facilities to
        assist injured workers;

        (v)    monitor the operation of occupational health and safety,
               rehabilitation and workers compensation arrangements;

   (w)  collect and publish statistics;

        (x)    conduct statistical analysis of occupational injuries and
               diseases;

   (y)  provide information services to workers, employers, and the general
        community;

   (z)  arrange, or facilitate the provision of, interpreter services to
        assist injured workers;

   (za) carry out such other functions as are specified under this Act or any
        other Act.

(2) In performing its functions, the Authority must-

   (a)  promote the prevention of injuries and diseases at the workplace and
        the development of healthy and safe workplaces;

   (b)  ensure the efficient, effective and equitable occupational
        rehabilitation and compensation of persons injured at work;

   (c)  ensure the financial viability and efficient operation of the workers
        compensation arrangements;

   (d)  provide advice to the Minister in relation to matters specifically
        referred to the Authority by the Minister and generally in relation to
        the administration of this Act or of the
        Accident Compensation (WorkCover Insurance) Act 1993 and the
        Workers Compensation Act 1958 and the accident compensation scheme
        established by or under this Act.