Workers Compensation Insurance
Most employers must hold Workers Compensation insurance, and the rules and exemptions vary by state and territory: each runs its own scheme, premium calculation and return-to-work rules. We refer workers compensation to our partner Hewitt Hicks, specialists in premiums, industry classification, claims management and return to work.
What the policy pays when an employee is hurt at work
Workers Compensation provides statutory protection for employees injured at work, and protects employers from direct liability claims.
Our workers compensation partner
Specialist advice from Hewitt Hicks
Ardent refers workers compensation to Hewitt Hicks Pty Ltd, specialists who consult nationally on premiums, industry classification, claims management and return to work. Hewitt Hicks is an authorised representative of Ardent Risk Management Group Pty Ltd (AR 001303428). Read the Hewitt Hicks Financial Services Guide.
We may refer you to our partners and may receive a fee or commission for the referral. Details are in our Financial Services Guide. Each partner is responsible for the services it provides to you.
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Workers Compensation FAQ
Generally, yes. Employers in every Australian state and territory are required to hold Workers Compensation insurance, and small businesses and casual workers are usually included. The requirements and exemptions vary by state and territory, but failure to hold cover exposes employers to fines and direct liability for any injury claim. Sole traders and partnerships without employees are generally exempt, but if you engage labour-hire workers, subcontractors on a labour-only basis, or workers who might be deemed employees by a regulator, you may still need cover.
Workers Compensation in Australia is administered at state and territory level. Each jurisdiction has its own legislation, insurer (some are government-monopoly schemes, others have approved private insurers), premium calculation methodology, benefit entitlements, and return-to-work obligations. NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, and NT all operate differently. Businesses that operate across multiple states need to comply with each state's requirements, and Hewitt Hicks can manage that with you.
Workers Compensation premiums are typically calculated from your total wages (remuneration), your industry classification (some industries are higher risk than others) and your claims history (many schemes experience-rate larger employers on their actual claims). So managing claims actively, through early intervention, return-to-work programs and safety controls, can reduce your premium over time. Hewitt Hicks can review your remuneration declarations, industry classification and claims history to check you're not overpaying.
When an injury occurs you must provide first aid, notify your Workers Compensation insurer within the timeframe your state sets, complete the injury notification paperwork, support the injured worker in lodging their claim, and put a return-to-work plan in place with the insurer and the treating practitioners. Hewitt Hicks can guide employers through each step, including liaising with the scheme insurer on your behalf, attending case conferences and challenging disputed decisions where appropriate.
Yes, if you work at it. The most effective levers are a documented safety management system that is followed in practice, early intervention and return-to-work programs that shorten claims, an accurate industry classification, and excluding remuneration that is not rateable, such as superannuation and certain allowances. Some states also offer premium discounts for businesses that demonstrate a strong safety culture. Hewitt Hicks works with clients on these levers and monitors claims to protect your experience rating.