The Parliament has called on the Liberal Government to keep its hands off Tasmania’s workers’ compensation system.

Ever since Eric Abetz used his 2026-27 Budget speech to single out the rising cost of psychological injury claims it was clear he wanted to come after workers’ compensation.

Workers have particularly good reason to be suspicious about who is driving this agenda.

Treasurer Abetz’ attitude to workers’ rights did not begin when he became Tasmania’s Treasurer – he’s been an anti-worker crusader for decades.

While serving as a Minister in the Howard Government, Mr Abetz was a vocal defender of WorkChoices, and it is concerning he wants to go down that same path again here.

Workers’ compensation exists to protect Tasmanians who are injured or become ill because of their work, through no fault of their own. It’s about giving workers a dignity of life when their work causes them injury, either physical or psychological.

Workers across health, education, emergency services, corrections, and other essential services are already facing increased pressure from understaffing, excessive workloads, workplace violence, inadequate support, and $1.5 billion in budget cuts. 

The Treasurer is focussed entirely on the rising cost of workers compensation claims, rather than the fact that injuries are increasing in the first place. That’s the real worry. As the state’s largest employer, the Government has a responsibility to make sure workplaces are safe, that workloads are safe, and that people get the support they need when they are injured.

Budget repair should not come at the expense of injured workers. Rising psychological injury claims should be addressed by investing in safe systems of work and preventing injury, not by making it harder for injured workers to access compensation.