The NSW workers' compensation scheme is facing significant financial challenges, with projections indicating it may only remain sustainable for another two years without substantial reforms. This situation has serious implications for employers, as potential changes could affect insurance premiums, claims processes, and overall compliance requirements.
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The Victorian Government has introduced the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025, aiming to enhance the fairness and quality of Victoria's workers compensation system. Introduced to Parliament on 4 March 2025, Victorian Regulation changes relate to return to work coordinator obligations and an increase in child pension. We outline the key changes and their implications for businesses...?
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Ben Carroll has introduced the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025, acting on recommendations from the 2022 independent review of WorkSafe Victoria’s management of complex workers’ compensation claims.
The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 introduces significant reforms to Victoria’s workers’ compensation framework. These changes aim to enhance claimant rights and impose additional responsibilities on employers and return-to-work coordinators.?Maddocks+1Maddocks+1
The Bill proposes a formal Code of Claimants’ Rights, emphasising fair, respectful, and dignified treatment for all scheme users, including injured workers and their families. This Code will establish higher service standards for WorkSafe, its agents, and self-insurers
Minister Carroll said of the Bill, “No one plans to get injured at work – the Allan Government is standing with injured workers and their families, ensuring they are treated with the respect, care, and dignity they deserve in their toughest times.”
Employers will be required to provide additional training for return-to-work coordinators to ensure they are equipped to manage claims effectively and in line with the new Code. ?Maddocks
The Bill extends compensation entitlements to close family members, particularly in cases of work-related fatalities, recognizing their rights within the compensation scheme. ?Maddocks
ABILITY GROUP recommends that businesses proactively assess their current workers’ compensation procedures and training programs to ensure compliance with the forthcoming legislative changes. Engaging with legal counsel or workplace consultants may be beneficial. Contact us to discuss navigating these reforms effectively.
Source: SafeWork Victoria
Title: Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act and regulations
Read Time: 10+ minutes
The New South Wales (NSW) Government is implementing sweeping reforms to the Workers Compensation Scheme in 2025, aiming to modernise the system and address rising costs, especially in psychological injury claims. These changes are critical for employers, workers, and insurers alike, and ABILITY GROUP is here to help you navigate them.
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The key changes include new eligibility criteria for mental injury claims, an additional requirement for receiving weekly payments beyond 130 weeks as well as other changes.
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WorkSafe Victoria has implemented significant reforms to the WorkCover scheme under the Scheme Modernisation Act, effective from 31 March 2024. In response, these changes aim to balance sustainability with ongoing support for injured workers. Discover the key Victorian Schem Modernisation changes...
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Beginning 1 January 2019, the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) introduced reforms to the workers' compensation dispute resolution process, aligning with the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2018. These reforms were designed to streamline claims handling, reduce disputes, and improve support services for injured workers and employers.
Please contact us to discuss.