Aus Partner Visa and Workcover.

[krisb]

Just had a Doctor say she isn't eligible for workcover while on a Partner Visa.

I think he's wrong.

Anyone know for sure?

[simple1]

Assuming she is an employee and the employer has workcover insurance in-place she would be eligable. Contact Workcover directly in your State to raise this issue as its not the doctors role to make this decision

[krisb]

True not really the Dr's role. Just he asked if its a workcover issue then asked if she was here on a visa followed by she isn't eligible anyway.

Yup ring workcover.

[David48]

Good luck with this Kris, I would like to know the answer when you find it.

My thinking is similar to simple1's post, but I have no practical experience.

[krisb]

Will take the time to ring W/Cover tomorrow and post the result.

[xen]

I guess you mean Workers Compensation Insurance and yes if she is employed then she will be covered , that is if the employer is abiding by the law and is paying his premiums based on his yearly wage bill.

As for Workcover, this is the authority that administers the health and safety regulations. Been a while since i had a look at the NSW legislation but it used to cover both the employee and the public based on the definition of workplace..

Sorry if this sounds pedantic but i am a little confused to what you actually mean Kris.

[krisb]

I guess you mean Workers Compensation Insurance and yes if she is employed then she will be covered , that is if the employer is abiding by the law and is paying his premiums based on his yearly wage bill.

As for Workcover, this is the authority that administers the health and safety regulations. Been a while since i had a look at the NSW legislation but it used to cover both the employee and the public based on the definition of workplace..

Sorry if this sounds pedantic but i am a little confused to what you actually mean Kris.

No problems at all.

I mean because she isn't an Australian citizen, although she is allowed to work here, has a tax file number, is she covered by work cover?

I assumed she was covered until the Dr said she isn't covered because she's not a citizen.

All employees working in Australia, with an honest employer should be covered I thought.

Just to fill in the spaces, she was at the Dr's for a really bad lower back pain that has been causing lots of discomfort for a long time. Dr asks is this a work cover issue? It could be, it's workplace related, she is a hotel housekeeper, so lifting bed's all day wouldn't help.

She has had a scan on her back and has a bulging disc and some compression on the lower spine.

Anyhow, tried ringing Work cover, on hold too long (typical), so have contacted them via email.

[simple1]

OP: Doctor is incorrect, from WorkCover site:

Employees must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident to be eligible to participate in the program

Edited June 6, 2014 by simple1

[David48]

OP: Doctor is incorrect, from WorkCover site:

Employees must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident to be eligible to participate in the program

Mate, could you link what you quoted please as that is a vital piece of information.

Thanks

[simple1]

OP: Doctor is incorrect, from WorkCover site:

Employees must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident to be eligible to participate in the program

Mate, could you link what you quoted please as that is a vital piece of information.

Thanks

As an example look at page two of the claim form at

http://www.workcover.com/upload/2459_RE_Claim-form_2012_v6.pdf

EDIT: If you are legally entitled to work in Australia it is a requirement by legislation that an employer /company must provide WorkCover for staff. Even if a Sole Trader you must acquire WorkCover Ins for staff

Edited June 6, 2014 by simple1

[krisb]

OP: Doctor is incorrect, from WorkCover site:

Employees must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident to be eligible to participate in the program

Good one!

Thankyou very much for your research mate

[GrantSmith]

Also, remember that Australian "workcover" law is not uniform and varies according to State and Territory - I remember having to sit through 3 seperate courses because of the state I lived in at the time (NSW, QLD and SA) all have their little nuances and it's frustrating as all get out!

But in a nutshell Mrs krisb will be entitled to WorkCover if the injury occured at work.

As you're based in the wine state krisb here's the details of WorkCoverSA

http://www.workcover.com/

http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz/c/r/workers%20rehabilitation%20and%20compensation%20regulations%202010/current/2010.154.un.pdf <- some light reading for you if should you feel the need to educate your GP

[krisb]

Cheers Grant!...like the wine state better than city of churches btw.

Yeah re the doc, the usual wonderful family GP was unavail, so wound up with seeing the Indian GP.