Queensland workers’ compensation scheme under review

Queensland Workers' Compensation Scheme Under Review

Queensland's government has launched an independent review of the state's workers' compensation scheme, led by Industrial Relations Commissioner Glenys Fisher and Professor David Peetz, Emeritus Professor of Employment Relations at Griffith University. Under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, the scheme must undergo review at least once every five years, and this five-yearly review aims to confirm current arrangements continue supporting injured workers effectively.

Why the Review Matters for Workplace Safety

Maintaining strong safety standards depends heavily on a compensation scheme that functions well for both workers and employers. Queensland's workers' compensation scheme remains strong, sustainable, and among the most respected nationally, but ongoing evaluation helps confirm operation stays aligned with modern safety expectations.

Head of the Office of Industrial Relations Kym Bancroft welcomed the review, stating: "My office wants to ensure injured workers continue to receive the compensation and support they need to return to work as soon as possible and that the scheme remains one of the best in the country."

Bancroft added that Ms Fisher and Professor Peetz will consult with key scheme stakeholders including registered industrial organisations, peak legal bodies, scheme insurers, and medical and allied health groups. This broad consultation approach reflects the importance of gathering diverse advice across sectors invested in workplace safety and rehabilitation outcomes.

Who Is Involved in the Consultation Process

The review draws on advice from multiple stakeholder groups, each bringing specialised knowledge to the process:

• Registered industrial organisations representing workers and employers
• Peak legal bodies offering advice on compensation frameworks
• Scheme insurers managing claims and financial sustainability
• Medical and allied health groups supporting worker rehabilitation

Such wide-ranging input strengthens confidence that any recommended changes reflect real-world safety and industrial relations needs across Queensland industries, including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors where compensation outcomes directly affect worker wellbeing.

Timeline and Next Steps

The review is expected to be completed towards the end of June. Businesses seeking guidance on current obligations can review related updates, including Queensland's new legislation enhancing the workers' compensation scheme, which outlines recent legislative changes affecting employer responsibilities.

For organisations wanting to strengthen their internal safety and compliance practices while awaiting review outcomes, consulting resources on when a Safe Work Method Statement is required can help clarify documentation obligations tied to workplace safety.

Broader Context: Safety Reviews Across Queensland

This compensation scheme review follows a pattern of proactive safety oversight in Queensland. A separate independent review focused on frontline health worker safety demonstrates the government's ongoing commitment to evaluating protections across multiple sectors.

Employers should also remain aware of compliance requirements outside scheme reviews. Reports highlighting businesses warned against operating without compensation insurance reinforce why maintaining proper coverage matters, regardless of pending review outcomes.

Supporting Documentation for Safety Management

Organisations preparing for potential scheme changes may benefit from structured internal review processes. Tools such as a management review meeting report template support consistent documentation practices, while an established management review policy framework helps businesses track safety performance systematically.

Additional information regarding the review is available here.