Welcome to the first edition of the Workers’ Voice Newsletter. Workers’ Voice is a research study that aims to re-imagine workers’ compensation in Australia.
This 3-year study recognises that there is opportunity to improve the management and design of workers’ compensation systems so that they can better support workers who have been injured to return to work following a workplace injury or disease.
Many people who make a claim, find workers’ compensation claim processes stressful and complex and this can contribute to delayed recovery and slower return to work.
We aim to design and model a system that reflects the experiences, views, and preferences of people who have made a workers’ compensation claim, in the last 10 years.
Celebrating Vasalia Govender’s Remarkable Achievements // We are thrilled to share the outstanding news that Vasalia Govender, one of our esteemed Lived Experience Advisors on the Workers’ Voice study, has received dual honours at the 2023 Volunteer Awards presented by Volunteer Victoria.
In recognition of Vasalia’s exceptional dedication and consistent efforts, she has also been honoured with the Volunteer Commitment Award. This accolade reflects her ongoing commitment to making a lasting difference within our community.
Vasalia’s unwavering commitment and impactful contributions to the injured workers support group have earned her the prestigious Volunteer Impact Award. Her dedication resonates profoundly, positively impacting the lives of those she serves.
Vasalia’s passion for supporting injured workers has not only transformed lives but has now rightfully earned her a well-deserved spot in the spotlight. Join us in congratulating Vasalia Govender for these remarkable achievements. We are so honoured to have her on the study with us.
Embracing Lived Experience: Unveiling Our Unique Logo Journey // At Workers’ Voice, our commitment to listening and learning from those with lived experiences of workers’ compensation extends to every facet, even our logo design!
Michael, currently navigating an 8-month journey through a workers’ compensation claim for a psychological injury played a pivotal role in crafting our distinctive logo alongside his colleague Kaitlyn.
Thrilled to directly involve the injured worker community in our project, the logo is a testament to this collaboration. It’s a small but significant example of our dedication to working closely with individuals like Michael and Kaitlyn throughout the study.
Read more here.
Workers’ Voice in the Spotlight // Exciting news abounds as the Workers’ Voice study gains notable media attention, showcasing the project’s impact and significance!
Project Leader, Professor Alex Collie featured on the ABC Conversation Hour hosted by Richelle Hunt. They explored the intricacies of Workers’ rights in the context of our study and unravelled the key insights and discussions surrounding the crucial topic of navigating workers’ compensation.
Workers’ Voice also featured in the National Tribute, Safe to Work and Hello Leader.
Read more about media involvement here.
Grainne’s Story // In 1985, Grainne’s husband Peter, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, marking the beginning of a 32-year engagement with Workers Compensation.
The journey was characterised by challenges due to the severity of Peter’s injuries and the varied interpretations of the Workers Compensation Act. Despite difficulties, positive moments emerged, with some representatives showing empathy and understanding.
The shift to the Transport Accident Commission in the last decade brought positive changes, though new challenges arose due to differing funding guidelines. Negative aspects included the ambiguity of Workers Compensation rules, frequent changes in structure, and the struggle to prove Peter’s case to insurers.
Despite these challenges, Peter’s post-injury life was filled with goals, such as a love for travel, music, food, wine, and family. Grainne emphasises the need for a person-centred workers’ compensation scheme that recognizes individuals beyond their injuries. Improved communication, belief in the injured person’s needs, and fair treatment are suggested for a more effective and compassionate workers’ compensation system.
Grainne advocates for seeing the person, understanding their unique goals, and ensuring a person-centred scheme designed to enable individuals to return to meaningful lives post-injury.
Read Grainne’s full story here.
Since the website went live, we have had over 5000 views and received 156 fully completed surveys from workers and 22 completed surveys from those who have supported an injured worker (family member/friend).
We are aiming for over 500 surveys to be completed and would appreciate it if you could send this opportunity through to individuals or groups of people you know so they too, can have their say about the process and how it was for them.
If you are a worker who has submitted a workers’ compensation claim, or a person who has supported someone who has done this, then please complete the survey as well. Click here to begin
The research team are also creating the “computer model” of the current system (based on current research available), so that this is a reflection of what is happening now, and can be used in the workshops coming up later this year. These workshops are when people with lived experience of submitting a claim, help to redesign a new model for the future. One that supports injured workers and does not add to the trauma already involved.
The next steps:
- Receive more completed surveys so that we can begin to analyse the data people are sending through
- Report ongoing results to those interested and through the media
- Conduct interviews with people who have lived experience of workers compensation
- Conduct the workshops for redesigning a new model workers compensation
- Create the future model of workers compensation
- Report the results to those interested and through the media
Thank you for you supporting the Workers’ Voice study. If you have any further questions please contact us.
You can also stay up-to-date with the study by following us on Facebook.