To further reduce red tape, the NSW Government has removed the requirement for employers to have an external auditor or tax agent certify their wages declarations prior to lodging with their workers compensation insurer. Cutting out what has been a cumbersome administrative process will speed up the lodgement process and save NSW employers $15 million annually.

What is a certificate of currency?

A certificate of currency provides evidence of an employer maintaining a current policy of workers compensation insurance. The certificate shows current WorkCover industry classifications, the number of workers, estimated wages and the policy period covered.

The certificate of currency can be issued for a period up to 12 months, however it cannot extend beyond the expiry date of the current workers compensation insurance policy.

For how long is a certificate of currency valid?

As from 1 July 2007, NSW certificates of currency are valid for up to 12 months, depending on the expiry date of the workers compensation insurance policy. 

Is my red or blue card valid in NSW?

From 1 January 2007, WorkCover began recognising construction health and safety induction qualifications obtained in Victoria and Queensland.

This reform was the first initiative from a program to harmonise occupational health and safety (OHS) systems between states.

Construction workers with a current red card or blue card do not need to undertake health and safety induction training for construction work in NSW and do not need to obtain a WorkCover NSW construction induction certificate.

WorkCover inspectors regard both cards as evidence of meeting the requirements for general health and safety induction training for construction work under clause 217 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2007.

Can I use my forklift licence in other states?

If your forklift licence is a nationally uniform certificate of competency issued by WorkCover NSW, it is automatically recognised throughout Australia.

Also, nationally uniform certificates issued by another state allow the holder to work in NSW.

Although some states and territories do not issue certicates for the operation of all classes of loadshifting equipment, certificates issued in NSW on a national card are recognised as evidence of a person's competency in the area.

A person from a state or territory that does not issue certificates for loadshifting equipment must obtain a certificate of competency in NSW by undertaking an assessment with an accredited assessor.