Racing Queensland puts end to spiralling Work Cover premiums with prizemoney levy breakthrough
Queensland has become the first state to address the spiralling Work Cover bills trainers were suffering
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Queensland’s spiralling Work Cover premiums for trainers will be slashed by up to 30 per cent under a move from Racing Queensland to subsidise the contentious issue through a prizemoney levy.
One per cent of all prizemoney will be allocated to a Work Cover fund, where trainers will be able to apply for a rebate after a deal was struck between the Australian Trainers’ Association and new Racing Queensland boss Jason Scott.
It is expected the fund will generate around $1.6m a year.
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The new levy also enables Racing Queensland to continue paying trainers Public Liability Insurance along with Professional Indemnity Insurance each year.
It comes on the back of Group 1-winning trainer David Vandyke revealing to Racenet he was struggling to make ends meet after being hit with a $250,000 Work Cover bill.
The expensive system has been a bone of contention for Queensland trainers, who have been calling for changes to the system for a number of years.
New South Wales operates on an industry-funded model which is dramatically cheaper for participants, however there are hopes Queensland’s new model can assist trainers.
“Racing Queensland and ATA have been working on this for over ten years, and with renewed focus and support of chief executive Jason Scott and the board, we have made a significant start to addressing the serious concerns Work Cover premiums place on trainers,” Queensland ATA secretary Cameron Partington said.
“It’s a national problem, RQ are the first state to make this substantial step.
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“Much of this is definitely a work in progress, but at least the funding is secured and a start can be made.
“The ATA is extremely appreciative of the efforts of RQ in recognising and addressing the problem of Work Cover, which was continuing to spiral out of control.
“There will be a lot more to come, the benefits will take time to be felt, but it’s an extremely positive step which all trainers should welcome and appreciate, ensuring both short-term relief, but more importantly longer-term viability for all training businesses.”
The 18-month trial will also include funding to support workplace health and safety improvements around stables to assist with bringing down Work Cover premiums.
Originally published as Racing Queensland puts end to spiralling Work Cover premiums with prizemoney levy breakthrough
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