20/11/2025
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/the-number-of-injured-workers-covered-under-changes-to-controversial-scheme-20251110-p5n95l.html
Given the revival of the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill 2025 in the Legislative Assembly this week, it is worthwhile referring back to this article published by the Herald containing the actual numbers of psychological injury assessments that reach the various thresholds.
The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which was passed this week, has already cut off long term compensation support for over 70% of injured workers, leaving less than 300 a year eligible for payments after 130 weeks if they reach 21% WPI or more.
It has also introduced new restrictions on the types of events that can result in a compensation claim for psychological injuries.
Now the Minns government is attempting to rehash the same arguments which were rejected last week, attempting to increase the WPI threshold further so only about 28 workers a year will be able to access ongoing payments (if the threshold is increased to 25% WPI).
It will also prevent all but about 28 workers a year from being able to bring a damages claim for future economic loss if they are permanently and significantly injured due to the fault of their employers.
As the figures show, there is no material difference between 25 and 31% in terms of the proportion of injured workers assessed at those levels over the last 12 years.
As the workers’ compensation reforms return to parliament, a report has found NSW has the second most expensive scheme in Australia.
