Thursday, 7 March 2024

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:56): (739) My question is for the Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC. Last week Mr Davis and I attended the Monash Business Awards business breakfast, which was a fantastic event. The MBA’s chairman Thomas Pewtress has created an incredible environment for businesses to share common interests and concerns. These business owners are the backbone of our economy and work tirelessly to keep the Victorian economy going. These business owners are ambitious and, like me, hope for a state that encourages small businesses. However, many were deeply concerned about the government’s proposed WorkCover reforms. Their premiums have increased, and they have been hit hard when they are already doing it tough. Will the minister commit that, after these reforms take effect, WorkCover premiums will be reduced for these businesses?