Table 1 Some features of the included Australian workers’ compensation schemes
Jurisdiction | Funding | Case Management | Maximum benefit duration | Responsible for RTW plan | % expenditure direct to worker | % benefit payments that are lump sum | Disputation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queensland | Centrally funded | Single Public Insurer | 104 weeks; 104–260 weeks (> 15% PI) | Insurer | 64.4% | 63% | 3.3% |
Tasmania | Privately Underwritten | Multiple private insurers | 9 years (< 15% WPI); 12 years (15–20% WPI); 15 years (20–30% WPI) | Injury management co-ordinator | 56.1% | 60% | 12.3% |
Western Australia | Privately Underwritten | Multiple private insurers | Retirement age | Employer | 54.9% | 43% | 3.8% |
Seacare | Centrally funded | Regulator | Retirement age | Employer | 66.6% | 39% | 31.3% |
New South Wales | Centrally funded | Multiple private insurers | 130 weeks (work capacity); 260 weeks (no work capacity) | Employer | 47.2% | 38% | 4.6% |
South Australia | Centrally funded | Multiple private insurers | 104 weeks (most workers); Retirement Age (> 30% WPI) | Insurer | 57.3% | 57% | 7.9% |
Comcare | Centrally funded | Regulator | Retirement age | Employer | 53.1% | 9% | 6.4% |
Northern Territory | Privately Underwritten | Multiple private insurers | 104 weeks (work capacity + suitable employment); 260 weeks (work capacity + no suitable employment); Retirement age (> 15% WPI) | Employer | 62.8% | 48% | 8.1% |
Victoria | Centrally funded | Multiple private insurers | 130 weeks (most workers); Retirement Age (no work capacity) | Employer | 52.9% | 46% | 11.6% |