Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
Free, independent complaints service for disputes with super funds and insurers, including TPD and income protection.
Covers: National
What applies to me?
Your plain-English action plan
Step 1 · Your situation
Step 2 · Your state or scheme
Step 3 · Your next steps
I've been injured at work. What happens next?Commonwealth Schemes (Comcare, Seacare, DVA)
In one sentence
Report the injury, see your own doctor, and lodge a claim as soon as you can — delays can affect your rights.
Your next steps
- 1Report the injury to your employer in writing and keep a copy.
- 2Book an appointment with your own GP and ask for a workers' compensation certificate.
- 3Complete and lodge the claim form for your scheme.
- 4Keep a diary of symptoms, appointments, costs and phone calls.
- 5Contact Comcare (1300 366 979) for free information about how the Commonwealth scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Request reconsideration by Comcare or your employer, then apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
- 7Watch the time limits — Reconsideration requests generally must be made within 30 days of receiving the decision.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How Commonwealth works
- Weekly payments
- Incapacity payments are based on normal weekly earnings, stepping down over time, and can continue until pension age in some cases.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical treatment costs are covered for accepted conditions.
- Permanent impairment
- Permanent impairment compensation is generally available at 10% WPI or more (lower for some injuries such as fingers, toes, taste and smell).
- Free legal help
- Unions, Legal Aid and ex-service organisation advocates (for DVA) can help. Open Arms supports veterans and families: 1800 011 046.
Questions you may have
Do I have to prove it was my employer's fault?
Usually no. Workers' compensation is mostly no-fault. Fault can matter later if you consider a common law (negligence) claim.
What if I am a casual or a contractor?
Many casual workers are covered. Contractors may or may not be covered depending on the real nature of the working relationship and your state's laws. Ask your regulator.
Can my employer sack me for making a claim?
Most schemes have protections against being dismissed because of a work injury, especially in the first months. Fair Work laws may also protect you. Get advice quickly if this happens.
Support available to you
Advocacy & peer supportMembership Verified
Australian Unions – Join or Get Help
Unions can provide advice, advocacy and referrals for members injured at work.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Comcare
Commonwealth workers' compensation scheme — claims information and reconsiderations.
Covers: Cwlth
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Community Legal Centres Australia
Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
Compensation, rehabilitation and support for current and former ADF members.
Covers: Cwlth
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Fair Work Ombudsman
Information about workplace rights, dismissal and pay. Fair Work Commission deals with unfair dismissal and bullying applications.
Covers: National
General information only. Rules change and depend on your circumstances. Check with your regulator or get independent legal, financial or medical advice about your situation.