Queensland's Incremental Approach to Workers' Comp Premiums

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

According to WorkCover Queensland, the average net premium rate will see an adjustment from $1.29 to $1.343 per $100 of wages after discounts. Acting CEO David Heley emphasized that the rate hikes are carefully considered, especially in light of current cost-of-living challenges.

“Balancing the needs of our customers, both workers and employers, while safeguarding the long-term viability of the Queensland scheme is crucial,” Heley said. “These small, incremental changes help ensure that businesses do not face sudden and dramatic increases in their WorkCover premiums.”

Over the past decade, the government-owned and self-funded scheme has utilized over $2.5 billion from investment reserves to subsidize premiums. Mr. Heley mentioned that such financial management is pivotal in keeping the scheme robust and reliable.

Employers' premiums are influenced by multiple factors, such as their wages, claims performance, and industry standards. This tailored approach means that businesses with good safety records can benefit from lower premiums.

Last year, WorkCover Queensland supported employers through over 68,000 accepted statutory claims and 3,200 common law claims. The organization reported a concerning 28% rise in mental injury claims and a 9% increase in time-lost benefits compared to the previous year. These trends are not limited to Queensland; they are reflective of national issues affecting workers’ compensation schemes.

For instance, in New South Wales, icare recently revealed a more significant average premium increase of 8%. Such rising costs across various jurisdictions demonstrate the universal challenges facing workers' compensation schemes in light of increasing claims and associated expenses.

This adaptive and measured approach to rate adjustments showcases Queensland's commitment to both economic prudence and the welfare of its workforce. By carefully managing premium rates, WorkCover Queensland aims to maintain a sustainable and beneficial scheme for all stakeholders involved.

Thus, while premiums will see a modest increase, businesses can remain optimistic about the competitive and supportive structure of Queensland’s workers’ compensation framework.

Published:Wednesday, 5th Jun 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

A new life insurance discount puts long-term value in focus

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Partners Life has introduced a new Life Advantage discount, giving eligible customers a permanent reduction on selected life and trauma-related covers. The offer is aimed at non-smokers aged 16 and over who meet a specified body mass index range and complete full medical underwriting when applying for new or increased cover. - read more

Why insurer technology resilience matters when you need to claim

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A new regulatory focus on insurer operational resilience is a timely reminder that an income insurance policy is only as reassuring as the systems behind it. The Financial Markets Authority review, reported by Insurance Business in July 2026, found that many New Zealand insurers are still relying on ageing technology for core operations, while also managing significant outsourcing and cyber-security pressures. - read more

Why Delayed Life Milestones Are Changing Income Protection Decisions

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New Zealand’s life and health insurance market is facing a quiet but important shift: younger adults are not necessarily rejecting protection, but many are postponing the life events that usually trigger it. Recent industry reporting, drawing on Deloitte and Financial Services Council research, shows Gen Z and millennial New Zealanders are delaying major decisions such as buying a home, starting a family, changing careers or launching a business because of financial pressure. - read more

Why Delayed Life Milestones Could Widen New Zealand’s Income Protection Gap

11 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New Zealand’s younger workers are reshaping the traditional path into insurance. Fresh industry reporting, drawing on Deloitte’s 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey and Financial Services Council research, points to a clear shift: many Gen Z and millennial New Zealanders are delaying major life decisions because of financial pressure. Home ownership, starting a family and career changes have long been moments when people reassess life, mortgage and income protection cover. - read more

Why the FMA’s conduct focus matters for life insurance buyers

11 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New Zealand’s financial advice sector is heading into a more targeted year of scrutiny after the Financial Markets Authority’s latest conduct priorities highlighted fraud, adviser commissions and complaints handling as areas of concern for 2026/27. For households arranging life, trauma, income protection or health-related cover, the message is practical: the quality of advice, disclosure and record keeping matters just as much as the premium on the page. - read more

Click for more Insurance News