by ABILITY GROUP | Jul 20, 2026 | Injury Management, Return To Work, Workers Compensation
Australia’s workers' compensation system is often referred to as a single national framework, but in practice, it is made up of separate schemes operating across each state and territory. While the core principles remain similar, the differences between jurisdictions can significantly affect employer costs, claims outcomes, compliance obligations, and return to work performance.
Insights from the Comparison of Workers’ Compensation Arrangements in Australia and New Zealand 2025 report highlight that understanding variation within Australia is just as important as comparing systems internationally. For organisations operating across multiple states, recognising these differences is essential to managing risk and controlling costs.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Jul 6, 2026 | Work Health & Safety, Workers Compensation
The commencement of Section 26A of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) on 1 July 2026 marks a significant shift in workplace safety compliance across New South Wales (NSW). Approved Codes of Practice no longer serve solely as guidance documents; they now establish the minimum WHS standards businesses must meet.
For Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), this change removes much of the uncertainty surrounding compliance expectations. Codes of Practice are no longer optional reference material. Instead, businesses must either comply with the relevant Code or demonstrate that their alternative approach provides an equivalent or higher level of health and safety protection.
As a result, compliance, enforcement, and workplace risk management have entered a new era.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Jun 24, 2026 | Reforms, Workers Compensation
Over the past 12 months, New South Wales has introduced sweeping reforms across workers' compensation, workplace protections, and dispute resolution. These changes mark a significant shift towards tighter legal thresholds, reshaping how both employees and employers navigate workplace rights. Considering these changes, we identify why this matters for employers. The importance of Early intervention and practical steps for business leaders.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Jun 8, 2026 | Reforms, Workers Compensation
The NSW Government has announced sweeping reforms to the workers’ compensation scheme, designed to reduce costs, improve return-to-work outcomes, and tighten access to long-term benefits for psychological injury claims. For employers, these changes are expected to deliver greater stability, particularly in managing psychological injury claims. Our briefing highlights key changes to assist employers as the new 2026/27 financial year commences.
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by ABILITY GROUP | Jun 1, 2026 | Injured Worker, Workers Compensation
The Victorian Government has announced additional support measures for injured workers and the businesses that employ them. These reforms strengthen the Workcover system, aiming to improve recovery outcomes, return to work processes, and compliance standards. For employers, the changes highlight the need for proactive injury management and structured workplace support.
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by ABILITY GROUP | May 18, 2026 | Premium, Workers Compensation
Workers' compensation remains one of the most challenging costs for NSW employers to control. Economic uncertainty, skills shortages, and rising regulatory expectations are stretching leadership teams. IN May 2026 icare premium update confirms these pressures are intensifying.
icare's update is not just about pricing or premium formula, rather the update explains how icare is now applying premiums, rewards, and penalties in practice and why many employers are facing increases well beyond expectations. Premium outcomes are now directly tied to how well safety, injury management, recovery, and return to work are handled.
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