Tasmanian Unions are calling for changes to the Workers Compensation Act to ensure all workers, irrespective of the method of employment, are covered by Workers Compensation Insurance.

“A change of onus needs to apply under the Act so that initially, all workers are covered by Workers Compensation Insurance” said Kevin Harkins, Secretary of Unions Tasmania.

“Legitimate contractors would need to provide reasoning and proof for an exemption to apply to their organisation, but “sham” contractors would still be covered. Sham contracting is simply another form of employment”

“The tragic circumstances of Anthony Young, the man who lost his leg in a horrific workplace accident at K & D Bricks and has been denied workers' compensation clearly demonstrates the need for change”

“Employees are often forced to accept sham contracting as a method of employment because they have no other choice, in construction and other industries, this type of employment is rife”

“It’s my way or the highway from some employers and sham contracting is simply a method of circumventing the employer’s financial obligations to save money”

“Tasmanian’s need to ask themselves, after an event like this what is the true cost to Mr Young, his family and the community?

“Initial discussions with Minister O’Byrne have been positive as have conversations with employer organisations. I would be interested to hear whether the Greens and Liberal opposition would provide in- principle support for the changes required to protect all Tasmanian workers”