New return to work initiatives
Comcare has introduced 2 new initiatives aimed at strengthening return to work outcomes across the scheme.
Together, these measures are expected to drive improved return to work results – a key operational focus for Comcare.
Suitable Employment Opportunities Pilot
The Suitable Employment Opportunities Pilot is a cross-agency initiative to help Australian Public Service (APS) workers recovering from injury or illness to rebuild capacity, confidence and skills through meaningful work and mobility between agencies.
Established by Comcare, the pilot expands pathways for sustainable recovery and return to work when a return to pre-injury employment isn’t feasible.
In the pilot, Comcare facilitates short-term placements within participating APS agencies, for employees with workers’ compensation claims from other participating agencies.
To discuss participation, please contact Comcare’s SEO Pilot Team at seo.pilot@comcare.gov.au.
WRP Monitoring Framework
Separately, a revised WRP Monitoring Framework commenced on 1 July 2026, introducing stronger performance measures for Comcare-approved Workplace Rehabilitation Providers (WRPs).
Approved WRPs are now assigned a quartile based on their past return to work performance – broken down by physical and psychological injury – and given 12 months to meet improvement targets. Failure to meet the target results in Comcare commencing a staged response to address the performance issue, as outlined in the Monitoring Framework.
The new performance measures are intended to drive improved performance for all providers rather than just those at the bottom of the range. For more information contact wrp.management@comcare.gov.au.