Workers
Compensation
Profitable today, but pressures are building
Private workers compensation insurers remain profitable, but the risk environment is moving quickly. Watch Tim Yip examine the WA-specific pressures, psychological injury trends and AI-related uncertainties that could shape claims experience and competitiveness over the coming year. 
Charts
Summary of recent legislation changes by jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Bill / Act | Effective date | Key changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill 2025 | NA – Under Legislative Council inquiry |  Tighter definitions and proof rules for psychological injury Higher WPI cut-offs for weekly pay and lump sums |
| Victoria | Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Act 2025 | 06-Aug-25 | Expanded family benefits after workplace death (counselling, cleaning, higher pensions, provisional payments incl. suicide cases)New Code of Claimants’ Rights(fair and respectful treatment, 5-yearly independent scheme review) |
| Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (WorkCover Scheme Modernisation) Act 2024 | 31-Mar-24 | Stricter eligibility for mental injury claims (excludes stress/burnout unless traumatic event) Weekly benefits after 130 weeks only if “no current work capacity | |
| Western Australia | Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 | 01-Jul-24 | Medical expenses cap doubled (30% → 60% of general limit) Weekly benefits extended (full rate for 26 weeks before step-down, previously 13) Excluded stress claims from “reasonable management action” unless harsh/unreasonable |
| Queensland | Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 | 23-Aug-24 | Early intervention for physical injuries to prevent secondary mental injuries Accelerated weekly payments Extended cover to gig and taxi workers Extended presumptive coverage for firefighters – include 11 additional cancers |
| South Australia | Return to Work (Employment and Progressive Injuries) Amendment Act 2024 | 01-Dec-24 | Extended employer duty to provide suitable work Introduced formal request process for suitable duties, with one-month employer response deadline Earlier impairment assessments for dust/terminal illness claims |
| Tasmania | Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Act 2023 | 07-Dec-23 | Confirmed Schedule 5 can be updated by regulation Extended presumptive coverage for firefighters – included additional cancers |
| Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Act 2022 | 01-Mar-23 | More firefighter cohorts covered (broader “occupational firefighter” definition) Longer maximum period for weekly payments for older workers | |
| Northern Territory | Return to Work Amendment Regulations 2024 (No 9 of 2024) | 12-Jun-24 | Added 7 cancers to the firefighter presumptive list Explicitly included correctional officers in the definition of “first responder” Wider access to benefits |
| ACT | Workplace Legislation Amendment Act 2025 | 03-Jul-25 | Extends statutory permanent impairment benefits to silicosis cases |
| Workplace Legislation Amendment Act 2022 | 09-Jun-23 | Workers accrue annual and long service leave while on comp |
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