THE Police Death and Disability Scheme will be on the chopping block in next year’s budget after Treasurer Mike Baird said the pension fund was “not sustainable”.

Budget documents have revealed huge blowouts in the scheme. The fund – labelled “mortgage busters” by some police – has been blamed for massive spikes in taxpayer-funded insurance premiums and payouts.

Budget documents supported this. In one year, the police and fire death and disability schemes liability jumped from $226 to $325 million. The forecast for government insurance premiums is expected to reach $1.2 billion next year.

“This increase is mainly due to higher claims costs and higher workers compensation liabilities,” budget documents said.

More than 929 officers have walked away with lump sums since 2005.

 

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• Gillard backs disability insurance scheme Herald Sun, 10 Aug 2011

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LeftHack Comment: NSW Firefighters fought for 10 years to have protection at work, and support for death and disability. If this Govt thinks it can axe D+D for firefighters, it’s in for a rude shock.

How’s the politicians pensions and safeguards – still intact? – you bet.