Default setting for layers on new page

Have you tried Save as Template (and then use New from Template when you create a file) ?

I've done this using a job description form at the bottom of every new doc I start. It automatically inserts today's date. Then I can fill in the rest of the info as I move along.
So here's what I did. Set all your parameters as you like i.e. layers and such. Now save it as a cdr and close it. Record a macro to open that file. Delete the shortcut key assignment to new doc and Assign cntrl+n as the shortcut to your macro, then drag the icon in place of the default new doc icon. NOw you can either hit the icon or cntrl+n to start a new doc.