Commonwealth Schemes (Comcare, Seacare, DVA)

Commonwealth employees and some licensed national employers are covered by Comcare. Seafarers on some interstate/international ships are covered by Seacare. Current and former ADF members are covered by DVA arrangements.

Last reviewed 15/09/2026

Comcare: 1300 366 979 Regulator website

Main laws: Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Comcare); Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 (Seacare); Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 and related Acts (DVA)

Who is covered: Comcare covers Australian Government employees and employees of licensed self-insurers. Seacare covers prescribed seafarers. DVA covers ADF service-related conditions.
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).
Common law (negligence) claims: Under Comcare, you may elect to sue the Commonwealth for non-economic loss in limited circumstances, which affects permanent impairment entitlements.
Disputes: Request reconsideration by Comcare or your employer, then apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). DVA decisions have their own review pathways.
Time limits: Reconsideration requests generally must be made within 30 days of receiving the decision.
Free legal help: Unions, Legal Aid and ex-service organisation advocates (for DVA) can help. Open Arms supports veterans and families: 1800 011 046.

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.

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