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Harmonising key areas in workers compensation between states and territories will create a more efficient system that is simpler, easier and more efficient, and provide employers with more certainty.
As part of the Council for the Australian Federation intergovernmental agreement, the following work has been completed.
Guidance material
The workers compensation system regulators in NSW, Victoria, ACT, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have worked together to develop guidance material that clearly explains the major processes and obligations that impact on an employer in each jurisdiction.
The guidance material informs employers of their requirements in regards to:
- applying for a new workers compensation insurance policy
- renewing a policy
- obtaining a certificate of currency
- the definition of a worker
- notifying an injury and lodging a claim
- employer claims excess
- weekly benefits
- return to work
- transport accident coverage
- dispute resolution.
Click here for harmonisation material for NSW, Victoria, ACT, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Return to work coordinators
Return to work coordinators engaged across states when supporting injured workers are now mutually recognised across the jurisdictions of NSW, Victoria and Queensland via the completion of add-on training modules, developed to improve their understanding of the legislative and operational requirements of the other states.
Declaration of wages
WorkCover NSW has removed the requirement for employers to have an external auditor or tax agent certify wage declarations prior to lodging with their workers compensation insurer, saving employers time and money.
Certificates of currency
In NSW, the requirements for certificates of currency have been brought into alignment with Victoria, so that certificates are now valid for up to 12 months, rather than four months. This will generate a $6 million saving for NSW businesses each year. Common certificates of currency forms have also been developed and have been implemented in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.
Claim forms
Uniform claim forms for injured workers and employers have been developed and implemented in NSW, Victoria and Queesland.
 Common Claim Forms
Premium payments
In NSW, employers now have an expanded range of options for workers compensation payments and can receive a three per cent discount for payment in full, in advance.
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