The NSW Government has failed to get its proposed changes to workers’ compensation through Parliament.

Unions from throughout the state, including the PSA CPSU NSW, opposed the changes, which would have made it difficult for workers with psychological injuries to get access to workers’ compensation.

Under the proposal, applicants would have to prove 30 per cent impairment to be eligible for workers’ compensation. This is up from 15-21 per cent.

Legal and mental health advocates joined unions in criticising the legislation, warning it could severely restrict access to compensation for psychological injuries.

Opponents to the changes argued this would effectively deny support to many legitimate claimants and shift costs onto the welfare and public health systems.

The Coalition and Greens combined forces in the Upper House to refer the Bill to a second parliamentary inquiry, delaying its passage.

“The battle is not won,” said Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright (pictured above at a rally opposing the changes). “However, the delay means we can continue to oppose these unjust changes.”