Tuesday,7 March 2023


Questions without notice and ministers statements

WorkSafe Victoria


John PESUTTO, Danny PEARSON

WorkSafe Victoria

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, I have asked you not to call members by their names but by their correct titles.

Danny PEARSON: We stand behind injured workers and this scheme, which is why we put $1.3 billion into the scheme. That is the simple fact of the matter, and we will continue to provide the support that it needs. We have made essential investments in terms of encouraging workers back to work. We have done an enormous amount of work in relation to that piece around prevention, and we will continue to support workers every step of the way. The reality is that it is not sustainable, and it is not just the government saying this. The Victorian chamber is saying this. Trades Hall is saying this. They all recognise that this is not a sustainable position to find ourselves in. That is why we are doing the work to get the things done to make sure that the scheme can be financially sustainable now and into the future.

The SPEAKER: Order! I ask the minister to address his answer through the Chair.

Danny PEARSON: We recognise that work needs to be done. We are working with the Victorian chamber, with unions and with relevant stakeholders to make sure that we can get the scheme financially sustainable, make it viable and make sure it is fit for purpose for the 21st century. That is work that is currently underway and will be done. We are committed to that because we support injured workers and we support Victorian workers. We want to make sure they work in a safe environment, and that is why we are making the necessary investments to do the right thing.

John Pesutto interjected.

Danny PEARSON: Well, good. Keep going, mate. I am going nowhere. You might be going somewhere. I am going nowhere.