SISA Annual Report
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200607 SISA Annual Report Self Insurers of South Australia Inc 136 South Rd TORRENSVILLE SA 5031 ABN 44 020 074 597 www.sisa.net.au Contents Introduction – About SISA ............................................................................................... 1 Chairman’s Report ............................................................................................................ 2 Manager’s Report ............................................................................................................. 3 Treasurer’s Report ............................................................................................................ 4 Office Manager’s Report ................................................................................................. 5 Statement under s.35(2)(c) of the Associations Incorporation Act 1985 ....... 6 The SISA Executive 2006-07 ......................................................................................... 7 Executive Committee meeting attendance 2006-07 ............................................. 8 Achievements in 2006-07 .............................................................................................. 9 SISA membership as at 30 June 2007..................................................................... 14 Special Report – the history and status of the Self Insured Employer Reserve Account ..................................................................................................................... 15 Special Report – The Natural Consequences Model ............................................ 16 Highlight of 2006-07 - Launch of the new-look www.sisa.net.au ..................... 17 Introduction – About SISA The Self Insurers of South Australia (SISA) is an incorporated association that represents South Australia's largest private and public sector employers that are self insured under the Workers Rehabilitation & Compensation Act. Our membership represents about 36% of the State's employment by remuneration. SISA pre-dates the WorkCover Corporation – it was first incorporated on 3rd August 1984 as the Employer Managed Workers Compensation Association (EMWCA). Although it was known as SISA for many years beforehand, the name was officially changed from EMWCA to SISA in November 2005. SISA is recognised as the sole representative organisation for self insured employers. It provides its member organisations with assistance and support in their interactions with the workers compensation scheme and promotes best practice in the prevention and management of workplace injuries. SISA’s objectives are to promote, develop and support the interests of its members by communication and liaison with WorkCover, Government, unions and other organisations in regard to self insurance. Self insurers in South Australia cover a diverse range of industries, including pillars of the State economy such as winemaking, ship building, mining, steelmaking, automotive manufacturing, aged care, banking and utilities. The State public sector is also self insured. SISA proudly represents the common interests of over one third of the employment of South Australia’s working people. It remains a respected and authoritative voice in the governance of occupational health and safety and workers compensation in South Australia and beyond. Self Insurers of SA Inc Annual Report 2006-07 Page 1 Chairman’s Report Steve Standen Safety, Health & Environment Manager ABB Grain Ltd WorkCover’s proposals for legislative change The 2006‐07 year has seen have challenged stakeholders to subordinate sectional interests to the recovery of the challenges and change… scheme’s funding position. SISA will continue both for SISA itself and in the workers to constructively participate in the review. compensation and OHS&W environment. Exit fees remain a major policy issue. They are The 2005‐06 year ended with the departure of an unreasonable impost, and SISA continues to Darryl Turner, and Robin Shaw commenced in seek advice on the legal basis of the exit fee. the Manager’s role in October 2006. We will maintain our efforts to have it removed until every avenue has been exhausted. Robin brings wide experience in self insurance. His 12 years with WorkCover gives him a sound “There are many prospects understanding of the history of scheme. His organisational and negotiation skills have for SISA itself to move from proved to be a real asset and have significantly reduced the burden on the Executive. strength to strength”. Robin has taken up the challenge of taking SISA One early agenda item is to move to new to the next steps in delivering value to premises so that as the scope of SISA’s members and providing persuasive advocacy of activities develops, the organisation will be best members’ interests. placed to make use of its facilities and location. 2006‐07 also saw the appointment of Ngaire We also need to continue improving SISA’s net Henham as Office Manager. Ngaire has asset position by ensuring that members’ funds impressed with her efficiency and diligence. are well investedd an available for the ongoing advocacy of their interests. The SISA Executive I am sure all visitors to the new website will will continue to improve the delivery of quality agree that is a fittingly professional image for services, advice and advocacy across the entire SISA. It is now the hub for communication and spectrum of issues and will ensure that our information distribution and I encourage all members’ interests are promoted. members to use the site to its fullest capacity and contribute to its improvement. You will notice a difference in the presentation of this annual report. The articles on the history “2006‐07 presented SISA of SISA and the genesis of the SIERA fund make interesting reading. Once again I can report that with some major policy I have enjoyed serving the self insured community as your Chair. The association is in challenges…” extremely good shape and our relationship with At the broader level, 2006‐07 presented SISA stakeholders and regulators continues to be with some major policy challenges, primarily strong and productive. the Natural Consequences Model, legislative Finally, I would like to acknowledge the passing change and exit fees. during the year of long time Executive member As I write this, negotiations for the reform of and SISA supporter Jeff Ames, whose the Natural Consequences Model are experience and teamwork have been sorely continuing. Getting a result that is acceptable to missed. self insurers and the WorkCover Board will be a test of the relationship with WorkCover. Self Insurers of SA Inc Annual Report 2006-07 Page 2 Manager’s Report Robin Shaw Manager Self Insurers of SA Inc on the proposals but it remains to be seen what Times change, and becomes of the WorkCover proposals. organisations have to Other matters addressed in 2006‐07 included: change with them… • Rejection of an increase in self insurer levy collections by $2.4m in 2007‐08. If SISA fails to recognise and adapt to change, we risk becoming irrelevant to our members’ • Ensuring the National Audite Tool is mad interests. When I took up my role, legislative an option for multi‐scheme self insurers. change was already looming large as the next • Continuing the challenge to the exit fee. strategic development. There were also some key operational issues, including the Natural • Improved relations with SafeWork SA. Consequences Model and the exit fee. • Amendments to the Code of Conduct. With so much happening, SISA must be more • National Harmonisation. proactive, agile, informed and capable of swiftly and reliably communicating with members. “My goal is to ensure that With the systems upgrades outlined in the Treasurer’s report in place to facilitate this SISA delivers value to its improvement, we have set to work on the vital members…” operational issues. Within SISA, Ngaire Henham has added new “…SISA will be more energy and professionalism to the Office Manager role and we have been busy upgrading proactive, agile, informed the rigor of our management processes. and capable…” Of importance to the success of our efforts is the improvement of the asset position. While The Natural Consequences Model has been a the position was good when I took up my role, concern to self insurers. In January 2007, a 37 there is more to be done, and 2007‐08 will page submission was handed to WorkCover. It provide a challenge for SISA to further expand made recommendations based on member its resources and services. experience, including changes to the measures, integration of the model with the standards, SISA has also maintained a presence in the allowing for recognition of exemplary national scheme, with my election as Chairman performance, use of 3rd party auditors and of the National Council of Self Insurers in May. having AS4801 certification recognised. My goal is to ensure that SISA delivers value to To date, our discussions have indicated that its members through timely and effective there are good prospects for the advancement service provision, forthright and informed of our recommendations. advocacy of self insurers’ interests and the objective and reliable communication of The proposals for legislative change released by essential information. WorkCover in March and June 2007 have also set a major challenge for all scheme stakeholders. With the assistance of members, SISA has completed a detailed position paper Self Insurers of SA Inc Annual Report 2006-07 Page 3 Treasurer’s Report Di Routledge Insurance & Workers Compensation