NSW Workers’ Compensation Scheme Faces Major Overhaul Amid Underinsurance Issues
NSW Workers’ Compensation Scheme Faces Major Overhaul Amid Underinsurance Issues
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The New South Wales State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has identified critical issues of underinsurance and employer non-compliance within the icare workers’ compensation scheme.
A recent review highlighted that over $60 million in premiums were not collected due to missing wage declarations, with about 75% of employers audited showing non-compliance responsible for an additional $24.5 million in unpaid premiums.
The examination highlighted significant threats to the financial sustainability and fairness of the scheme. It pointed to deficiencies in the state insurer’s quality control, the use of outdated wage estimates, and lapses in employer follow-up processes. In contrast, specialised insurers demonstrated more active compliance measures, reducing the overall risk exposure.
Since December, SIRA and icare have collaborated on addressing these challenges, successfully reducing over 294,000 outstanding wage declarations and recovering more than $353 million in premiums. Efforts included the implementation of a self-service portal, which efficiently processes 90% of wage submissions instantly, alongside employer education initiatives and enhanced supervision over premium adjustments.
SIRA's CEO, Mandy Young, stated that by the third quarter of the current financial year, there will be an intensified focus on employers with revenues exceeding $250,000 who fail to submit accurate wage declarations. The NSW government is currently considering introducing financial penalties that would extend beyond simple payment recovery to include fines and potential prosecutions for intentional non-compliance.
Ms Young emphasized the importance of robust regulatory tools and clear consequences for those not adhering to the regulations, to maintain the integrity of the scheme and ensure injured workers receive the necessary care and support they deserve.
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Knowledgebase
Insurance broker: An agent acting on behalf of the insured (not the insurance company) who negotiates the terms and cover provided by the insurer in the insurance policy.
