Workers compensation insurance in Queensland

How workers compensation works in Queensland

• WorkCover Queensland says all employers in Queensland must hold accident insurance. In most cases this means taking out a policy with WorkCover Queensland.
• Some businesses are instead licensed to self-insure through the Workers' Compensation Regulatory Services. A self-insurer doesn't need a policy with WorkCover Queensland.
• A policy covers all workers directly employed by the business. Directors, partners, sole traders and trustees aren't covered by accident insurance.
• Premiums are based on wages, industry and claims history. Each policy has a WorkCover Industry Classification that sets its industry rate, and industry rates are set each year and published in the Queensland Government Gazette.
• A new employer's premium rate is its industry rate. After a qualifying period, the premium moves to the simplified model or to experience-based rating, depending on the size of the business's wages.
• Premium is paid provisionally on estimated wages and adjusted at the next renewal if actual wages differ. Employers declare their wages and renew their policy each year, within a set renewal period.