A decision by the NSW Government to introduce laws to include both an employer and employee nominee for the icare board is an important step on the path to reforming the state’s workers’ compensation scheme.

The announcement comes as businesses across the state will start to feel the impact of an average 8 per cent premium increase which comes into effect Saturday, July 1.

Business NSW CEO Dan Hunter says today’s announcement is a necessary first step to getting icare’s house in order.

“These actions today from the NSW Government are important as they set the platform for genuine reform,” Mr Hunter said.

“It is appropriate that both employers and employees are given a seat at the table as the hard work of fixing the fundamental issues with the workers’ compensation scheme continues.

“Fixing the broken claims management system and addressing the return-to-work rates for injured workers must now be the top priority.

“At a time when businesses are doing it tough with spiralling energy prices and interest rate hikes, it’s unacceptable that they should be feeling additional financial pain on account of a poorly run workers’ compensation scheme.

“We look forward to working closely with the government to ensure the necessary legislative reforms are enacted to put icare on the right footing,” Mr Hunter said.