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Your Message:	We will address the message for you.. The Victorian Trades Hall Council received the final report from Mr Peter Hanks QC into the 1985 Rehabilitation and Compensation Act on 26 September. A close reading of the Hanks Report reveals that the VTHC's concerns were well founded. I remind you of the commitments the ALP has given over the years to improve the WorkCover system. - In July 1999, in 'News from Labor', the shadow Minister for WorkCover Rob Hulls stated: "Victorian Labor recognizes the need to expand the Conciliation Service's powers and ensure the impartiality of Conciliation Officers". - In 1999 the ALP election pledge said: "Labor supports the rights of Victorian workers to a fair and equitable system of workers' compensation." - In 2002 the ALP pledged itself to: "Maximising the successful return to work of injured workers" and, - In 2006 the ALP policy declared: "Labor is committed to improved workers' compensation arrangements for Victorians. Labor will review the Accident Compensation Act 1985 to ensure workers receive the assistance, support and benefits they deserve." It is the VTHC's view that although a number of Mr Hanks' recommendations would benefit a limited number of injured workers and their families, overall, his recommendations will not provide adequate improvement to worker benefits - as promised by your Government since you were elected. Indeed, Mr Hanks says an important recommendation regarding stress claims is designed to confirm a Kennett Government change that denied workers' rights (see para 2.310). It seems that Mr Hanks is proposing that - from the political grave - Kennett's policies still rule. The VTHC has prepared a detailed response to Mr Hanks' recommendations concerning the seven threshold areas of major concern to unions and working people. The threshold issues of concerns remain: * Weekly Payments; * Dispute Resolution; * Rehabilitation/Return to Work; * The Preclusion of Stress injuries; * Discrimination; * Permanent Impairment and, * Coverage for Outworkers. Once again, I urge you consider these threshold issues, the Hanks Report, and carefully consider the VTHC's proposed solutions before you vote to change the WorkCover system. We will put your name at the end of the email..

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