About the Commonwealth workers' compensation scheme

Comcare is a Commonwealth statutory authority established under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act).

Both the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission and Comcare have regulatory functions of the SRC Act. Comcare's CEO is the sole director of a substantial insurance business and is also responsible for the regulation of occupational health and safety (OH&S) in the Commonwealth. Comcare is the only OH&S regulator that provides rehabilitation and compensation services while also undertaking compliance and enforcement activities.

Comcare's workers' compensation scheme covers Commonwealth agencies and authorities, ACT Government and self-insured corporations. Comcare workers' compensation insurance covers persons employed by the Commonwealth, Commonwealth authorities and ACT Government.

The scheme is characterised by:

• a 'no fault' scheme, with limited access to common law
• an integrated and cost effective approach to injury prevention, occupational rehabilitation and workers' compensation
• employer responsibility for the occupational rehabilitation of injured employees
• a comprehensive benefit structure with an entitlement to compensation payments for 45 weeks at 100 per cent of normal weekly earnings, and 75 per cent thereafter
• coverage of allowable medical, rehabilitation and related costs associated with the treatment of work related injury and diseases
• lump sum payments for permanent impairment due to work related injury or disease
• entitlement to incapacity payments until age 65
• approves rehabilitation program providers

Latest comparison of workers compensation arrangements in Australia and New Zealand from the Australian Safety and Compensation Council

Earlier comparisons