NSW Publishes Workers Compensation Exposure Draft

NSW Publishes Workers Compensation Exposure Draft

The NSW Government has recently unveiled an Exposure Draft for a Bill, "contributing to its sustained consultation efforts to secure the workers compensation scheme moving forward." The draft workers compensation legislation amendment bill outlines proposed changes designed to keep the system sustainable for years ahead.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said he has submitted the Exposure Draft to a parliamentary inquiry for further investigation and to gather feedback on potential reform options. The inquiry will examine how proposed amendments to the workers compensation act might affect claims handling, employer obligations, and insurance arrangements across the state.

Why This Matters for Employers and Workers

"We must ensure that NSW has a workers compensation scheme for future generations to rely upon," Mookhey said.

"I encourage people to read the Exposure Draft for themselves and examine proposals to protect this system."

Formal consultations commenced in March, and release of the Exposure Draft signifies a subsequent phase in this process. Stakeholders including employers, insurers, and worker representatives have been invited to review the pdf version of the draft and provide input before final legislation is tabled.

Key Areas Under Review

Reforms under consideration reportedly touch on several aspects of the compensation scheme, including:

• Impairment assessment guidelines and how they determine eligibility for benefits
• Support for psychological injury claims, including those arising from workplace harassment
• Regulations governing insurance premiums paid by employers
• Data collection requirements to improve transparency across the scheme
• Personal injury claims processes and how SIRA oversees compliance

The NSW Government emphasised its commitment to reforming the workers' compensation system to ensure it remains viable for future generations. Employers should stay informed on how proposed regulations may affect obligations under workplace health and safety frameworks, including requirements addressed in guidance such as Safe Work Method Statements.

Organisations managing exposure risks more broadly may also find it useful to review related coverage, including how the NSW Resources Regulator addresses silica exposure and outcomes from the Safe Work Australia workers' compensation research report. Additional resources are available on asbestos exposure protections for NSW workers.

Read more here.