Local Government Workcare (LGW) is the operating name of the Queensland Local Government Workers’ Compensation Self-insurance Scheme. LGW was established in 1998 with the objective of delivering greater control to councils over management of their workers’ compensation costs. The objective has been pursued by reducing costs through injury prevention and more effective claims management whilst steadily building a sound financial base for the future.

LGW is essentially an agreement between the participating local governments, local government controlled entities and the LGAQ for the scheme members to jointly hold a workers’ compensation self-insurance licence. Jardine Lloyd Thompson is appointed to manage the scheme’s operations including delivery of injury prevention, claims management and injury management services.

In addition to providing claims management and rehabilitation services specifically tailored for local government, LGW has developed the most comprehensive workplace health and safety improvement program ever available to Queensland councils. The SAFE PLAN program is supported by a web based resource library, software tools and training packages.

Since its inception, LGW has reduced the average workers’ compensation rate payable by Queensland councils by more than 55%. Performance on key management indicators such as average claim cost and average duration is significantly better than the statewide average of all workers compensation insurers. Consistent with LGW’s ownership arrangements, the scheme has adopted the approach of only retaining funds that are prudently required to meet claims liability and administration costs. Since 1998, a total of $12.4 million in surplus funds has been returned either directly to members or more broadly to local government through the LGAQ.

www.jita.com.au/RSQNT/lgw.aspx