Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
Inquiry into Australia Post injury processes
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy today welcomed an inquiry into the way Australia Post manages its injured workers.
"Australia Post's treatment of injured workers under its Facility Nominated Doctors scheme has been a matter of mounting community concern," Senator Conroy said.
"Along with other Labor Senators I have raised this matter with Australia Post repeatedly at Senate Estimates."
"The ALP recently voted at National Conference to establish an inquiry and I am pleased that an inquiry will now be undertaken."
"The inquiry will specifically examine the process whereby injured workers must visit doctors nominated by Australia Post to be eligible for compensation."
"Concerns have been raised that Australia Post management bonus structures are linked to minimising injured worker's compensation claims. This inquiry will examine those claims."
"The Government takes seriously all concerns about workplace health and safety and believes that sick and injured workers should not be mistreated or face discrimination."
"We are committed to ensuring working Australians are treated with fairness and respect, the basis of our Fair Work Act."
Claims related to the Facility Nominated Doctors scheme were aired in a recent 7:30 Report article: http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2009/s2700046.htm
Date: 29 October 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
