"It is simply not fair on business for there to be a presumption that any worker who tests positive to COVID caught the virus while at work," said Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter.
"It was a step brought in at the start of the pandemic while so much was unknown, but now that NSW Health will no longer list COVID-19 case locations, it’s no longer practicable," Mr Hunter said.
"The COVID-19 presumption provided by Section 19B of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 is broad, and covers industries including healthcare, education, retail, transport, emergency services, construction, disability and aged care, dining, and entertainment.
"As COVID-19 becomes endemic and much of the population is exposed to the virus in social settings, it will be difficult and costly for an employer to prove it wasn’t caught in their workplace.
"The additional burden of claims will put further pressure on the already strained Workers Compensation Scheme – both financially and operationally.
"Small businesses will be unable to defend unsubstantiated claims made against them, which will increase premiums and the cost of doing business at the worst time possible.
"It is important to note, removing the presumption will not remove the right of a worker who has contracted COVID-19 to make a workers compensation claim, it just brings the test in line with other similar claims.
"Business NSW hopes all of our elected representatives demonstrate their support for the business community by voting to repeal this now redundant measure," Mr Hunter said.
