The Injured Workers Support Network (IWSN) and the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) hosted a joint online event to mark Injured Workers Day, focusing on the critical need for reform of Victoria's WorkCover system.

Dr Mary Wyatt served as the keynote presenter for the Q&A session. Dr Wyatt is a distinguished occupational physician and recognised leader in work and health policy. As the founder of It Pays to Care, she has established a significant reform initiative that promotes early, compassionate, and evidence-based approaches to injury recovery and return to work processes. Dr Wyatt is a strong advocate for transforming the WorkCover system into one that is fair, effective, and sustainable for all stakeholders.

Dr Wyatt's presentation was followed by an expert panel featuring Assistant Secretary of the VTHC Wil Stracke, legal practitioner specialising in workers' compensation Nadia Grech, Union Assist Coordinator Claire Mitchell, and an injured worker representative who bravely shared their personal story.

The panel engaged in an open discussion, examining the systemic changes needed to address the current deficiencies in the system. Together, they outlined both the immediate steps we can take to drive change, and the deeper reforms needed to build a fairer, more just system for all workers.

Injured Workers Day 2025 was a powerful and insightful session that highlighted once again the need for a fair and just compensation system, workplace safety, and support systems that protect the dignity and rights of all injured workers. The injured workers' contributions highlighted the collective strength of the IWSN, and VTHC reinforced its commitment to advocating for systemic reform of the WorkCover system.

You can watch a recap of the day here: Injured Workers Support Network Victoria

Key Resources and Next steps:

It Pays to Care

Dr Mary Wyatt's research and resources supporting the development of fair and effective compensation schemes are available through her reform initiative platform.

VTHC WorkCover Survey

VTHC is circulating a survey that is currently gathering stories and experiences from injured workers. This initiative plays a crucial role in shaping evidence-based recommendations for the upcoming WorkCover system review, ensuring that worker voices are central to reform discussions.

Injured Workers Support Network

The IWSN creates and provides information and resources that injured workers can use to navigate their WorkCover claims. The network also facilitates regular meetings to foster community and provide a sense of belonging for injured workers during their recovery journey. Resources and meeting calendars are accessible through the Injured Workers Support Network Website.