NIBA appears before NSW Parliamentary Committee on Workers Compensation Reform
NIBA gives evidence to NSW Parliamentary Committee as workers’ compensation reforms undergo further scrutiny
The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) appeared before the NSW Legislative Council’s Public Accountability and Works Committee this week to provide evidence as part of the Committee’s inquiry into the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.
The Committee heard from a range of government and non-government stakeholders, including the Treasurer, Daniel Moohkey, officials from Treasury, the State Insurance Regulatory Authority, icare, claims service providers and medical experts. Appearing on behalf of NIBA were NIBA CEO Richard Klipin, NIBA Vice-President Rebecca Wilson, and Executive Chairman of Austbrokers AEI Tim Wedlock.
In his opening remarks to the Committee, Mr Klipin welcomed the inquiry and commended the NSW government and the committee for engaging with these “complex yet crucial issues.”
NIBA noted the scheme’s deteriorating financial position, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the scheme and its ability to meet future claims obligations.
While acknowledging the need for reform within the scheme, NIBA told the Committee that the proposed legislative changes were unlikely to resolve the underlying financial and structural pressures facing the system. Instead, NIBA encouraged the government to consider reforms to strengthen the governance and oversight of the scheme.
Return-to-work outcomes were also raised as an area of significant concern, with NIBA noting that despite various initiatives, the scheme’s performance in this area continues to decline. The Association called for renewed emphasis on early intervention, care coordination and case management to help improve outcomes for injured workers and employers alike.
“We share the Committee’s commitment to a sustainable, fair and effective workers’ compensation system,” said Klipin. “And we welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion.”
Following the hearing, the Committee will determine the next steps for the inquiry, including whether to send the Bill back to the Legislative Council for debate or to continue its examination of the proposed reforms.
