Workers Compensation
This information is complimentary only and isn't to be relied upon as advice. Workers' compensation is governed by state and territory legislation — always refer to your jurisdiction's workers' compensation authority, a lawer, or a trusted industrial team, for matters that may affect your claim.
What is workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation is a safety net that provides financial support, rehabilitation, and help returning to work if you're injured or become ill because of your job.
Australia has almost a dozen workers' compensation schemes — one for each state and territory, plus three Commonwealth schemes. Each is governed by its own laws with different rules, so your entitlements depend on where you work and who employs you.
Your employer is required to hold workers' compensation insurance. It's funded by employer premiums — not deducted from your pay.
Am I covered?
Generally, you're covered if you meet three criteria:
- You're a "worker" or "deemed worker" under your jurisdiction's scheme
- You've suffered a work-related injury, illness, or condition
- There's a connection between your injury/illness and your employment
There are different thresholds for psychological injuries.
Some contractors may also be covered as "deemed workers" depending on the jurisdiction — this varies by state.
Who is generally NOT covered?
Independent contractors and sole traders are typically not covered and need their own income protection arrangements.
Whether you're an employee or contractor depends on the substance of your working relationship — not just the label on your contract.
If you're unsure whether you're an employee or contractor for workers' comp purposes, lodge an MSF and our teams can assist.
Injured at work?
Don't wait. Workers' compensation claims often have strict time limits that vary by jurisdiction. Personal injury lawyers specialise in this area, so speak to one as soon as possible – you can use your local law society's "find a solicitor" tool.
If you're a member unsure where to start, then lodge a Member Support Form and our friendly and contactable staff can help direct you in the right direction.
→ Log in at member.redunion.com.au → find "Get Help?" → click "Member Support Form".
Not a member?
We can't assist with pre-existing issues, but if you'd like to understand your options going forward, you can try to book a 20-minute chat with our team. Please note this is a general overview of what might be available should you join — it is not advice.
You might also want to contact your current union (if you have one), your State/territory's law society's 'find a solicitor' service, or a Community Legal Centre.
It's best to have your subscriptions active incase a circumstance arises.
Want to join?
To sign-up directly via the sign-up form:
- Visit the signup form relevant to your industry (Nursing / Midwifery | Allied Health | Education | Officer | Other | New Zealand);
- Tick "Yes" when prompted about pre-existing issues;
- Wait for the onboarding emails after that's received –>
- You can fill in an Member Support Form (be sure to tick "Yes" to the pre-existing question – our teams expect honesty on forms).
Good to Know
Gig workers and platform workers
Recent amendments to the Fair Work Act introduced some minimum standards for "employee-like" digital platform workers and regulated road transport contractors. However, workers' compensation coverage for gig workers remains inconsistent across jurisdictions. If you work through a platform and have been injured, lodge an MSF — the rules are evolving and our team can assess your specific situation.
Each state is different
There's no single national workers' comp system. Time limits, benefits, and definitions vary significantly between states. For example, who counts as a "deemed worker" differs in every jurisdiction. Don't try to self-assess — let our team identify which scheme applies to you.
Needs updating?
Please let our hotline know if this article seems out of date, we are always looking to improve.