Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister to the Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to sum up the debate on the Comcare and Seacare Legislation Amendment (Pension Age and Catastrophic Injury) Bill 2017. Again, I would like to thank all members who have supported this bill. The bill makes minor but important amendments to the workers' compensation arrangements in the Comcare scheme and the Seacare scheme. The bill will ensure that injured employees will not be disadvantaged when the pension age rises after 1 July 2017. As a result of this bill, injured employees will continue to be eligible for the generous income replacement payments provided by these schemes until they qualify for the age pension.

The bill will also align the Comcare and Seacare schemes with the minimum benchmarks in the National Injury Insurance Scheme. This will provide employees who have a catastrophic injury access to uncapped compensation for the attendant care services and household services that they will need. This bill demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that injured employees are able to maintain their independence and receive the care that they need. I therefore commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.