Workers Compensation Insurance Australia | Employer Cover & Compliance

Mandatory Protection for Employers and Employees

Workers Compensation Insurance is a compulsory form of insurance required for all employers in Australia.

It provides compensation and support to employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness, helping them recover and return to work as soon as possible.

For employers, it provides peace of mind knowing that employees are protected — and that the business is compliant with state and territory legislation.

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What the Policy Covers

Workers Compensation provides financial support to injured workers and covers:

Loss of Earnings

Replacement of wages while the employee is unable to work.

Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Programs

Assistance to help the employee recover and re-enter the workforce.

Medical and Hospital Expenses

Costs of medical treatment, surgery, and related healthcare services.

Death and Dependency Benefits

Compensation to dependents in the event of a work-related fatality.

Each Australian state and territory operates under its own workers' compensation legislation, which governs coverage, claims management, and premium calculation.

How Premiums Are Calculated

Premiums are generally determined based on:

Industry classification and risk rating

Number of employees and annual gross wages

Claims history and workplace safety record

State or territory-specific regulatory factors

Employers must ensure they hold a valid workers compensation policy in the state or territory where their employees are engaged.

Workers Compensation Across Australia

Each state and territory in Australia operates its own workers' compensation system, with different regulators, insurers, and administrative arrangements:

State / Territory

Regulator / Scheme

Type of Scheme

Notes

New South Wales (NSW)

icare (Insurance & Care NSW)

Government Managed

Underwritten by icare, managed by SIRA. Self-insurance available for eligible employers.

Victoria (VIC)

Work Safe Victoria

Government Underwritten (Managed by Private Agents)

Policies issued by WorkSafe agents such as Allianz, QBE, or Gallagher Bassett.

Queensland (QLD)

Work Cover Queensland

Government Underwritten

WorkCover is the exclusive insurer. Large employers may apply for self-insurance.

Western Australia (WA)

Work Cover WA

Privately Underwritten

Policies issued through approved private insurers such as Allianz, QBE, and CGU.

South Australia (SA)

Return To Work SA

Government Underwritten (Managed by Private Claims Agents)

Claims managed by agents like Gallagher Bassett and EML.

Tasmania (TAS)

Work Cover Tasmania

Privately Underwritten

Employers must obtain cover through licensed private insurers.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Work Safe ACT

Privately Underwritten

Employers must arrange cover through approved private insurers.

Northern Territory (NT)

NT Work Safe

Privately Underwritten

Employers arrange cover through approved insurers such as Allianz or QBE.

Privately Underwritten

Notes:Employers arrange cover through approved insurers such as Allianz or QBE.

Why It Matters

Failure to maintain Workers Compensation Insurance can result in significant penalties and leave employers personally liable for medical and compensation costs.

Maintaining proper cover ensures your employees are supported and your business remains compliant with local regulations.

Who Should Consider This Cover

All employers, regardless of business size or structure

Essential cover for any business to meet legal obligations and protect employees.

Companies engaging full-time, part-time, or casual staff

Ensures all workers are covered in case of work-related injury or illness.

Contractors or labour-hire providers employing others

Provides protection for businesses responsible for outsourced or temporary workers.

Businesses operating across multiple states or territories

Helps maintain compliance with varying workers compensation laws across regions.

Stay Compliant and Protect Your Team

At Bind Insurance, we help employers navigate the complex Workers Compensation requirements across different jurisdictions.

Our brokers can assist with policy placement, insurer selection, premium management, and injury management programs — ensuring your business remains compliant and your employees are protected.

Need assistance?

Call 1300 BIND NOW (1300 246 366) or reach out online — we respond promptly.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Mandatory Protection for Employers and Employees

What the Policy Covers

How Premiums Are Calculated

Industry classification and risk rating

Number of employees and annual gross wages

Claims history and workplace safety record

State or territory-specific regulatory factors