NIBA Update - WorkCover WA
NIBA is committed to ensuring that brokers' roles as trusted advisers to their clients and partners of insurers and underwriters are maintained.
On July 1, 2024, the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Bill 2023 (WA) came into effect. Alongside this, WorkCover WA implemented the Insurance Brokers Principles and Standards of Practice. Collectively, these initiatives represent a concerted effort to enhance transparency and fairness in the management of workplace injuries, improving outcomes for injured workers.
Following this, WorkCover WA issued a Bulletin regarding the disclosure of worker’s personal information. In a communication to both insurers and brokers, WorkCover WA clarified that the consent authority in the approved Workers Compensation Claim Form CF1 does not apply to insurance brokers.
WorkCover WA reiterated the obligation for brokers to gain consent prior to accessing a worker’s personal information. The obligation to gain the workers’ consent also applies to employers and insurers when sharing their personal information with brokers. Following this communication, many insurers closed off access to their claims systems, significantly impacting brokers’ ability to manage claims on behalf of their clients.
NIBA and the WA Divisional committee have already engaged with WorkCover WA to raise members’ concerns and the impact this will have on employers, many of whom are small businesses. Ensuring that letters of consent are acceptable to all parties is one of the key focus areas of our discussions, along with ensuring brokers continue to be able to access information on claims already in progress prior to the 1st July 2024.
NIBA is also engaging with the ICA and other key stakeholders.
NIBA is committed to ensuring that brokers' roles as trusted advisers to their clients and partners of insurers and underwriters are maintained. NIBA will continue to work with all stakeholders to find a way forward for the profession. We will continue to provide relevant updates shortly.