Queensland's Incremental Approach to Workers' Comp Premiums

4

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Car Collector Fails in Bid for $122k Insurance Windfall 24 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori A car enthusiast's efforts to boost his insurance payout from $78,000 to $200,000 after his rare vehicle was destroyed by fire have been thwarted. - read more

Financial Advice Landscape Set for Further Overhaul 24 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori Financial industry professionals are bracing for significant changes as new reforms surrounding commission consent in financial advice have moved into effect. With the successful passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Delivering Better Financial Outcomes and Other Measures) Bill 2024, the sector anticipates a substantial shift in how financial advisories are delivered to retail clients. - read more

Queensland Renters Face Significant Financial Risk Without Contents Insurance 23 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori Queensland renters are increasingly vulnerable to financial setbacks due to a lack of contents insurance, warns RACQ Insurance. An alarming 78% of renters in Queensland forgo this critical coverage, primarily underestimating the value of their belongings. Other reasons for this trend include the cost of insurance and a general lack of knowledge regarding coverage options. - read more

Massive Fines Hit Rogue Builders Over Fake Insurance 20 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori On July 19th, 2024, in a significant crackdown on fraudulent building practices, Aycon Constructions along with its director, Seyit Ayranci, received a record-setting fine of $250,000 from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). The enforcement action came after the construction firm was implicated in the use of falsified insurance certificates to secure building permits. - read more

Liberty Mutual Re insurance Unit Further Solidifies Aussie Market Reach 20 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori Liberty Mutual Insurance Group's LM Re insurance unit is making impactful strides with the inception of a dedicated Australian branch. At the helm of this initiative is Mark De La Mare from Aon, who will guide the underwriting team nestled in Sydney. - read more