Insurance obligations
The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 states that every Queensland employer, unless a licensed self-insurer, must have a workers' compensation policy with WorkCover Queensland.
Taking out insurance
You must apply for a workers’ compensation policy within five business days after commencing to employ, or you may face penalties.
Maintaining your insurance
Section 48 of the Act states that:
‘(1) Every employer must, for each worker employed by the employer, insure and remain insured, that is, be covered to the extent of accident insurance, against injury sustained by the worker for-
(a) the employer’s legal liability for compensation;’
To remain insured it is important that:
- if you are automatically assessed, you pay your premium according to the payment methods and due dates outlined on your Premium Notice (automatic assessment)
- if you have been sent a
Declaration of Wages , you provide wage information to WorkCover Queensland by
31 August, then pay your premium according to the payment methods and due date outlined on your Premium Notice.
Other obligations
You are also obligated to:
- provide true and accurate information
- where requested, provide your wage details to WorkCover Queensland by 31 August
- pay your premium by the due date
- notify us of any changes to your business activity, address, or employing entity
- provide us with access to information if we conduct a wage audit.
If you do not meet these obligations, penalties will apply.
