On 26 April 2017, Insurance & Care NSW (icare) announced significant changes to the NSW workers’ compensation scheme, reshaping the way claims would be managed from 2018 onward. This announcement followed CGU’s earlier decision to exit the scheme, prompting icare to streamline its agent model.
Key Changes
- Employers Mutual Limited (EML) was appointed as the sole claims service agent for all new claims from 1 January 2018
- GIO and Allianz were assigned to manage run-off claims only, ensuring continuity for existing cases until their resolution
- QBE and CGU exited the scheme entirely by 31 December 2017
Impact on Employers and Workers
- Simplified claims management -With EML as the single agent, employers and workers gained a more consistent experience across the scheme
- Reduced complexity – Previously, five agents managed claims, which often created confusion and administrative challenges
- Transition support -Allianz and GIO’s role in handling run-off claims helped maintain stability during the transition period
Why This Matters
The consolidation aimed to improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and deliver better outcomes for injured workers. For employers, the streamlined model meant clearer processes and potentially faster resolution of claims.
ABILITY GROUP believe today’s announcement represents an exciting new phase for workers compensation (now referred to as workers insurance) in NSW. We will continue to cover these changes and the expected benefits. In doing so, we will keep our clients, brokers and partners informed. If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss.
Read the icare media release here.