WorkCover premium will remain unchanged for 2025-26

WorkCover Premium Will Remain Unchanged for 2025-26

Queensland's WorkCover premium will remain unchanged for the upcoming financial year, the state government has confirmed, following appointment of new leadership at WorkCover Queensland by the State Government.

This news comes as welcome certainty for businesses navigating rising operational costs across multiple sectors of construction, manufacturing and healthcare.

Average Premium Rate Held Steady

The State Government said the WorkCover board has resolved to hold the average premium rate at $1.343 for each $100 of wages, following discounts, thereby ensuring stability for businesses and safeguarding a greater number of workers.

Jarrod Bleijie, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, as well as Minister for Industrial Relations, announced that the Crisafulli Government supports maintaining the average premium rate for workers compensation insurance at its current level for 2025-26.

"This decision represents certainty for Queensland businesses while maintaining a strong focus on supporting injured workers," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

"WorkCover Queensland has one of the lowest average premium rates in the country, supporting injured workers to return to work.

"A strong scheme is vital to protect interests of workers and employers across Queensland."

What This Means for Queensland Employers

Holding premiums steady gives Queensland employers a predictable cost base heading into the new financial year. For industry sectors already managing tight margins, this stability supports better workforce planning and budget forecasting.

Government leadership changes at WorkCover Queensland appear focused on maintaining scheme performance without shifting cost burdens onto business owners across the state.

How Queensland Compares Nationally

Queensland continues to report one of the lowest average premium rates among Australian jurisdictions, according to government figures. A similar approach has been taken elsewhere, with Victoria choosing not to raise WorkCover premiums for 2025-26 either, reflecting a broader trend of premium stability across state-based schemes.

This isn't the first time Queensland's scheme has held rates steady — our earlier coverage on WorkCover Queensland's decision not to increase its average premium rate outlines similar commitments made in previous periods.

Supporting Safe Workplaces Beyond Premiums

While premium stability eases financial pressure, employers still carry responsibility for reducing workplace risk and injury rates across their operations. Robust safety documentation remains central to that effort.

• Businesses handling hazardous substances should review SOPs for chemical handling and storage to minimise exposure risks.
• Sites relying on non-powered tools benefit from clear SOPs for equipment maintenance to prevent avoidable injuries.
• Employers managing fatigue-related risk should consider structured fitness for work policies and procedures as part of broader compliance planning.

Sound documentation practices directly support lower claim frequency, which in turn helps maintain favourable premium outcomes across Queensland's WorkCover scheme over time.

Why This News Matters for Safety Professionals

For safety professionals across construction, manufacturing and healthcare industries, this news signals continued government commitment to balancing worker protection with business viability. Staying informed on scheme changes remains essential, particularly as other jurisdictions review their own workers compensation frameworks — see our coverage of WorkCover WA's 2022–2025 Strategic Plan for a comparative view of another state's approach.

SafetyDocs will continue monitoring workers compensation news across Queensland and other jurisdictions, providing updates relevant to safety and compliance teams within affected industries.

Read more here.