Currently, ACT employers must notify their workers’ compensation insurer about employee numbers and wages paid every six months - even if there has been no change from the amounts already declared. From 15 October 2015, employers will only need to notify the insurer if the total wages they pay during the period of insurance increases by more than $500,000.

In addition, workers’ compensation certificates of currency will be valid for up to 12 months. We expect these changes will remove the need for more than 70,000 administrative transactions annually. Under the new arrangements employers will:

• When purchasing an insurance policy - estimate the number of employees and wages to be paid during the period of the insurance policy;

• If wages increase by more than $500,000 – notify the workers’ compensation insurer in writing within 30 days;

• 12 months after purchasing the policy – advise on the employee numbers and wages actually paid during the past 12 months. Also note http://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/page/view/1207#10 square metre rule.

For more information, click here to visit ACT WorkSafe.