There is a push on in Queensland to patch up compensation laws which some say are unnecessarily skewed.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Queensland (CCIQ) claims that workers in the state are “enjoying an unnecessary and costly luxury” being compensated for injuries received travelling to or from work.

A report in a Brisbane newspaper said that Nick Behrens, Queensland president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is urging the State Government to abolish the precedent for ‘journey and recess’ claims. Payments from this claim alone reportedly cost WorkCover $50 million last year.

Mr Behrens believes the scheme’s heavy bias toward workers has meant employer’s premiums are skyrocketing to untenable levels. He also says it should not be the responsibility of employers to control how safely someone commutes to or from work, and that it is too difficult to tell what is and is not ‘work-related’.

The CCIQ is looking to end a “degree of luxury” that injured workers are enjoying.

The Queensland Council of Unions does not agree, saying Queensland employers have consistently enjoyed the lowest or second lowest premiums in Australia. President John Battams also pointed out that journey claims have such a minor effect on premiums that workers should not be disadvantaged by throwing them out.

The Council of Unions say that workers in Queensland must travel such long distances over rough roads to get to work, because of this they deserve to be covered for injury. Mr Battams said being injured on your way to work and getting a helping hand to provide for you and your family is not a luxury.

Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie has not made a decision.