National Workers Compensation landscape

Workers’ compensation schemes aim to minimise the cost and impact of work-related injury and illness. Workers’ compensation in Australia is predominately jurisdictionally based, with coverage of injured workers generally based on the location of employment. There are 11 main workers’ compensation schemes in Australia, one for each state and territory and 3 Commonwealth schemes.

For businesses with a National footprint managing both the legislative and regulatory requirements of the various schemes is a substantial drain on resources and exceptionally time consuming. In addition, understanding key changes and scheme initiatives can be a daunting task for those responsible for being across such changes.

A new biennial publication by SafeWork Australia summarises key changes to

• administration

• scheme delivery

• policy

• amendments in legislation

across all jurisdictions as well as important legislative developments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The publication is free and available for download here:

Summary of Workers’ Compensation Scheme Developments in Australia and New Zealand - September 2018 to September 2020 – 1st Edition (Summary Report). 

Please note that the above information is provided as comment and should not be relied on as a substitute for detailed professional advice from AB Phillips or professional legal and or financial advice on any particular matter. Where you would like additional information and support about the content in this document please contact AB Phillips.