representing state employees since 1885
representing state employees since 1885
MEDIA RELEASE
Million Dollar Bullies
Victoria Police now waste more than $50 million dollars each year in WorkCover insurance
premiums by failing to assist their injured workers according to figures just released under
freedom of information, CPSU WorkCover Services Director Geoff Lewin said today.
Geoff Lewin said, “the Victoria Police WorkCover insurance bill has skyrocketed upwards
by almost $10M over the last 3 years.”
“This represents a 20% increase in Injury Insurance costs despite repeated 10% cost
reductions to Employer premiums in successive years by the State Government.”
“It’s a scandalous waste of public monies particularly when it’s one government agency
just paying another,” he said.
2009/2010 WorkSafe Injury Insurance Premium -
$54,086,599.74
2008/2009 WorkSafe Injury Insurance Premium -
$51,855,896.06
2007/2008 WorkSafe Injury Insurance Premium -
$45,129,916.02
Geoff Lewin said, “Victoria Police, through their agent, adopt a deliberate obstructionist’s
strategy designed to wear the injured worker down.”
“Claims are automatically rejected forcing the distressed workers to either traumatic
conciliation (ACCS) or the expensive Courts.”
“Victoria Police is hoping the injured worker will just drop off on their claim,” he said.
Geoff Lewin said, “the civilian employees make up only about 15% of the overall Victoria
Police workforce but the claim history is about 50/50 sworn to civilian.”
“The order and command model of people management contributes to an established
bullying culture.”
“This culture is costing Victorians millions in wasted premium payments each year.”
“More Police, better facilities, crime analysis, fingerprinting and forensics, the policing
options this money could be allocated towards are endless.”
“Victoria Police is clearly Victoria’s worst Employer in WorkCover terms,” he said.
Media Enquiries:
Geoff Lewin on 0418 003 371 or Julian Kennelly on 0417 541 789.
Monday 14 December 2009
NEWS 
