Exploring the Impact of an Ageing Workforce on the South Australian Workers Compensation Scheme

The ageing of South Australia's workforce is one of the State's major policy challenges over the next decade. By early next decade labour demand is expected to exceed supply. To manage this it will be necessary to introduce a range of policies and strategies designed to boost labour force participation and manage skill shortages in innovative ways. Injury prevention and the timely and successful return to work of injured workers will be important elements in achieving this.

Understanding the implications of an ageing workforce for workers compensation arrangements in South Australia is timely in the face of such significant demands. This report prepared by the Australian Institute for Social Research (AISR)is designed to assist WorkCover SA to better understand and respond to the benefits and challenges associated with an ageing workforce in South Australia.