Insurance win for Tassie Jockeys

Date: 02 February 2007

Tasmanian jockeys will decide on Tuesday whether to accept an interim coverage offer by the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council.

The Australian Workers' Union says that while the offer is not the full workers' compensation coverage that is required, it appears to be an acceptable interim measure, subject to approval by Tasmanian jockeys.

AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten says, "This offer is better than what we have now, but what we want hasn't changed - we won't rest until jockeys are fully covered by the State Compensation Act. Only then will they be promoted above their current status as second-class citizens."

The deal would see jockeys injured during the course of their work in Tasmania receive $1000 per week or 90% of income, whichever is less - an increase of $400 per week.

Mr Shorten says, "It's good to see that, with Tasmania's Racing Carnival just days away, TOTE Tasmania has returned to negotiations with fresh vigour after twelve months of stonewalling.

"Let's hope that this new spirit of cooperation continues after the Carnival is over."

Mr Shorten notes that the offer, which would begin on 10 February and run until 31 July, is an interim measure that would see injured jockeys receive benefits for just two years, but say it is a step in the right direction.

AWU Tasmanian Secretary Ian Wakefield says, "Jockeys are in a dangerous business, and under the current system, not only their safety, but their financial well-being is threatened.

"If jockeys decide to accept this offer, it will tide us over while the Tasmanian Government gets on with amending the Act, which I trust they will do at the earliest opportunity," Mr Wakefield says.

For further information

Union:	The Australian Workers' Union
Phone:	03 8327 0888
Fax:	03 8327 0899
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au

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