Gallagher Basset (GB) has welcomed the findings of the Victorian ombudsman (VO) into the management of WorkSafe complex claims for the 2017/18, as it reinforces its commitment to working with the statutory body to implement the VO’s recommendations.

The VO report, tabled in parliament early this month, acknowledged the improvements made across the scheme to the claims process to address the recommendations of the 2016 Ombudsman Report. It also identified opportunities to further improve support to injured workers in the scheme.

GB said it was disappointed, however, that the process improvements it implemented after the 2016 review failed to fully address key decision-making issues. The claims management firm also committed to reviewing its processes and training to ensure full compliance with the ombudsman’s recommendations.

“At GB, we continually look for ways to improve our claims management process and welcome any feedback that helps us achieve that goal and provide better service to injured workers” said John McNamara, GB Australia CEO. “I’d like to acknowledge the leadership of WorkSafe’s CEO Colin Radford, and his commitment to making improvements to the scheme. The team at GB are looking forward to working alongside Colin and the WorkSafe team, as we seek to identify and pursue continuing improvements to drive better injured worker service and outcomes.”