The NSW government has made another attempt to reform workplace injury laws, introducing a new bill in parliament today after its earlier draft legislation was blocked in the state upper house.

“Every day of delay means the system deteriorates further, and the lack of certainty only compounds the pressure being felt by businesses and community groups across NSW,” the Labor government said. “The government’s preferred option is for parliament to vote on the original bill. However, it is not prepared to let the uncertainty carry on indefinitely.”

Lawyers and unions have criticised the earlier reforms, in particular a plan to change the threshold for determining workers’ access to psychological injury benefits.

The government has reiterated that its changes are critical and without them workers’ compensation premiums will increase 36% over three years, even if employers have no claims against them.

“Small businesses and disability service providers face premium hikes that will force many to close their doors,” Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said. “The lack of certainty is creating even more pressure on businesses that need an urgent resolution. I don’t think it is unreasonable for those businesses and disability organisation to simply say to the parliament, do your job.”

The new bill comes after an upper house committee last week held a public hearing in its inquiry into the initial reforms.

Greens MP Abigail Boyd, chair of the Public Accountability and Works Committee, says the government’s latest move is an act of “breathtaking arrogance … the intent of the inquiry is not to delay unreasonably or otherwise seek to frustrate the legislation, but in fact to grapple with the complex issues and problematic proposals the government has put forward.

“Unfortunately, the implications of the cuts proposed to be imposed on some of the most vulnerable people in our state – people who have been devastatingly psychologically injured in their work – require a serious and considered approach.”