Workers’ Compensation (WorkCover)

What is workers’ compensation

Workers’ compensation is a system that provides support to eligible workers who experience work-related injury or illness.  There is a Commonwealth worker's compensation scheme for some federal employees and organisations, whilst each Australian state and territory operates its own workers’ compensation scheme under its own legislation.

 

Workers’ compensation schemes are designed to provide financial and healthcare support in connection with work-related conditions. They are not part of Medicare and do not replace general health system arrangements.

 

How workers’ compensation is funded

In general, workers’ compensation schemes are funded through insurance arrangements paid by employers.  Employers may obtain coverage through:

• A state or territory government scheme

• A private insurer approved under the relevant scheme

• Self-insurance arrangements (in some circumstances)

 

Funding and administrative responsibility depend on the jurisdiction and employer type.

 

What workers’ compensation may cover

For eligible workers with accepted claims, workers’ compensation schemes may provide support such as:

• Payment for reasonable medical and allied health treatment

• Hospital treatment

• Rehabilitation services

• Income support for time away from work

• Lump sum compensation in certain circumstances

 

Coverage depends on:

• Whether the condition is accepted as work-related

• Legislative definitions and thresholds

• Medical evidence

• Scheme-specific rules

 

Approval processes often apply. Not all injuries or illnesses will meet legislative criteria.

 

Relationship to Medicare and private insurance

Workers’ compensation operates separately from Medicare and private health insurance.

 

In general:

• Medicare provides rebates for eligible services under national arrangements.

• Workers’ compensation schemes may fund treatment directly for accepted work-related claims.

• Private health insurance operates independently and does not replace statutory workers’ compensation rights or obligations.

 

Administrative and billing processes depend on the jurisdiction and the status of the claim.

 

Who decides what is covered

Decisions about claim acceptance and funding are made by the relevant scheme authority or insurer in accordance with state, territory, or Commonwealth legislation.  Healthcare professionals make clinical decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment.  Scheme authorities determine whether the condition meets legislative criteria for compensation.  Please note this website does not determine eligibility, claim acceptance, or compensation outcomes.

 

How people typically enter the system

In general, workers may:

• Notify their employer of a workplace injury or illness

• Submit a claim under the relevant scheme

• Provide supporting medical documentation

• Receive a determination regarding claim acceptance

 

Timeframes, reporting requirements, and processes vary by jurisdiction.

 

Access to treatment and rehabilitation services may depend on location, provider availability, and scheme rules.

 

Variation across Australia

Workers’ compensation arrangements differ between states and territories. Differences may include:

• Definitions of work-related injury or illness

• Income replacement structures

• Duration of benefits

• Dispute resolution processes

 

Because schemes operate under separate legislation, entitlements and processes are not uniform across Australia.

 

How workers’ compensation fits within the broader system

Australia’s broader system includes:

• Medicare

• State and territory public hospital systems

• Private health insurance

• Disability and rehabilitation services

• Workers’ compensation schemes

These systems operate alongside one another but are governed by different legislation, funding streams, and administrative frameworks.

Access to services may vary depending on jurisdiction, employment status, and local service availability.

 

For further information refer to:

• Safe Work Australia (https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/workers-compensation)

• Fair Work Ombudsman (https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/workers-compensation)

 

You can also access your specific jurisdiction workers compensation regulator;

• Australian Capital Territory: WorkSafe ACT

• New South Wales: State Insurance Regulatory Authority (NSW)

• Northern Territory: NT WorkSafe

• Norfolk Island: Norfolk Island Workers Compensation Scheme

• Queensland: WorkCover Queensland

• South Australia: ReturnToWork SA

• Tasmania: WorkSafe Tasmania

• Victoria: WorkSafe Victoria

• Western Australia: WorkCover WA

 

 

Important information

This page provides general educational information about workers’ compensation arrangements in Australia, often referred to as “WorkCover.” It is not medical, legal, financial, employment, or eligibility advice. Laws, funding arrangements, and eligibility criteria vary between jurisdictions and may change. Official government sources prevail.  This page provides general educational information only. It does not provide personalised advice and does not create a professional, advisory, or clinical relationship. Clinical decisions are made by healthcare professionals. For emergency medical situations, contact emergency services or seek urgent medical care.

 

Last reviewed: February 2026