WorkSafe leaders criticised for hosting winery event amid negotiations over ‘broken’ scheme

A WorkSafe leaders’ function held at an upmarket winery while talks are under way to fix the state’s workers’ compensation scheme has been slammed as “spectacularly stupid”.

Leaders within WorkSafe have come under fire for holding a function at an up-market winery while work is under way to fix the state’s “broken” workers’ compensation scheme.

As unions and businesses have been locked in negotiations with the state about ways to make WorkCover financially sustainable, WorkSafe’s health and safety senior leadership team held a retreat at Witchmount Estate winery in Plumpton.

It was the team’s first off-site planning meeting since Covid and cost $3450, including venue hire and catering for 36 people.

Among those in attendance were executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer.

It was held on International Workers’ Day, prompting a backlash from unions.

Attendees were not served or permitted to purchase any alcohol at the planning day.

The trip to Witchmount Estate winery cost $3450. Picture: iStock

CPSU state secretary Karen Batt said the event was tone deaf.

“It shows an incredible lack of awareness by WorkSafe senior management and the timing is spectacularly stupid considering the fund is under financial pressure and broken according to the minister,” she said.

“It puts a new meaning to having a wine on the workers or a beer on the bosses.”

“The government is proposing cutting injured workers access to compensation but maybe the top-heavy WorkCover executives need a prune.

“An apology is required.”

It is understood the venue was chosen because it was convenient for both health and safety leaders in Melbourne and the regions.

WorkCover is expected to have annual shortfalls of $1bn if the insurance scheme is not altered, prompting the government to admit it was “broken” and signal changes.

The Herald Sun has previously revealed the government plans to hike business premiums to 1.8 per cent and exclude stress and overwork from claims.