Compensation Rates Increased

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31225, 24 November 1966, Page 3

Compensation Rates Increased

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 23.

Increases in workers’ compensation payments were announced today by the Minister of Labour (Mr Shand).

An Order in Council has been approved increasing maximum weekly rates of workers' compensation and weekly dependants’ allowances for wives and children.

The new rates, which come into force seven days after the date of the gazetting of the order, are: Maximum weekly payment, £ll 17s 6d (previous rate, £lO 17s 6d),; weekly allowance for wife, £1 10s (£1); weekly allowance for each child, 15s (10s). Mr Shand explained that as a result of adjustments the total maximum amounts of compensation for death and incapacity will become £3253 15s and £3716 17s 6d respectively (previously £2979 15s and £3403 17s 6d). • As well, medical expenses payable in respect of injured workers are increased to £1 5s for the first visit and 15s for each subsequent visit. No increases in employers’ liability insurance premiums are contemplated, the extra cost being met from savings made in the operation of the premium adjustment scheme administered in conjunction with the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Mr Shand emphasised that the increases were made in the normal course of administration, and had no relation to the inquiry at present

being carried out by the Royal Commission on workers’ compensation matters.