This Order prescribes how workers’ compensation insurance premiums are calculated for policies taking effect between 4 pm on 30 June 1992 and 4 pm on 30 June 1993. It sets a detailed tariff table of industry rates, formulae for basic premiums, experience and excess adjustments, minimums for small employers, and targeted premium reductions for hiring certain injured or long‑term unemployed workers. It affects employers, licensed insurers and the WorkCover Authority because it fixes who pays what, how disputes are decided, and how post‑period adjustments or refunds are handled.
This Order sets the mechanics for calculating and applying workers compensation insurance premiums for policies to take effect in the 1992-1993 period under the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (the Act). It fixes: definitions used throughout the instrument, the scope of policies covered (Schedule 2), a formulaic basic tariff premium based on industry classifications (Schedule 3 and Schedule A), experience-based adjustments and experience premiums tied to employer claim histories (Schedules 4 and 5), an excess surcharge tied to employer agreement on excess repayment (Schedule 6), minimum premiums for small employers (Schedule 7), post-period adjustments and reconciliations (Schedule 8), special exclusions for wages of certain previously injured or long-unemployed workers (Schedule 9), and detailed tariff rate numbers and descriptions (Schedule A). The Order cross-references and relies on the Act for terms and some monetary flows, for example dust diseases contributions and premiums adjustment contributions (Schedule 1 definitions).
Mechanically, the Order instructs insurers how to compute a “basic tariff premium” (Schedule 3 cl 1) by multiplying parts of the employer’s wages allocated to tariff classifications in Table A by the relevant percentage rate. It then sets out an “experience adjustment factor” S (Schedule 4 cl 1), and an “experience premium” E derived from wage totals and claim-cost totals over specified periods (Schedule 5 cl 1). The final premium incorporates the basic tariff, the experience adjustment/premium, any excess surcharge X (Schedule 6), and reductions or minimums as prescribed (Schedules 7 and 9). Adjustments after the policy period are required to be settled within four months (Schedule 8).
Decision-making authority is allocated among insurers (initial calculations and wage/class allocations), the WorkCover Authority (determinations on disputed wages or classifications, and issuance of guidelines for Schedule 9 reductions), and the Governor (who may determine numeric factors F37-F39 used in the experience premium formula and notify them in the Gazette) (Schedule 5). The Order also provides procedural levers for insurers where employers fail to supply required returns, permitting an upward adjustment to W1 by 15 per cent for renewal premium calculations (Schedule 5 cl 2). The instrument is temporal, applying to policies issued or renewed to take effect from 4 pm 30 June 1992 until 4 pm 30 June 1993, with a clause preserving application pending the making of a subsequent premiums order (Schedule 2).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Insurance Premiums Order (1992–93).
22
Schedule 1
Interpretation
Schedule 1 Interpretation
Schedule 1 Interpretation
1
Definitions
1 Definitions
1 Definitions
(1) In this Order:
basic tariff premium, in relation to a policy, means the basic tariff premium for the policy calculated in accordance with Schedule 3.
category A employer, in relation to a policy, means an employer whose basic tariff premium for the policy at the time at which the insurer first demands a premium for the policy would exceed $2,000, assuming the period of insurance to which the premium relates to be 12 months (whether or not that period of insurance is in fact 12 months).
category B employer means an employer, other than a category A employer.
claim means a claim made by a person against an employer to which a policy relates.
dust diseases contribution, in relation to an employer, means an amount equivalent to the contributions, if any, payable by an insurer in respect of the employer to the Workers’ Compensation (Dust Diseases) Fund and the Dust Diseases Reserve Fund.
employer includes a person who proposes to become an employer.
insurer means a licensed insurer, or a former licensed insurer, within the meaning of the Act.
period of insurance, in relation to a policy, means a period for which an insurer assumes risk under the policy, being a period which commences on the first day on which the policy is in force after having been issued or renewed.
policy or policy of insurance means a policy of insurance within the meaning of the Act.
premiums adjustment contribution, in relation to an employer, means an amount equivalent to such part of the contributions, if any, payable by an insurer to the Premiums Adjustment Fund under section 208 of the Act as relates to the premium payable by the employer to the insurer.
wages means wages as defined in section 174 (9) of the Act.
(2) The value of any amount of money calculated or included in a calculation under this Order is to be expressed in dollars.
(3) In this Order, a reference to wages which are payable by an employer includes a reference to wages which have been paid by the employer.
2
Determination of wages
2 Determination of wages
2 Determination of wages
In this Order, a reference to wages, in relation to a period of insurance under a policy issued or to be issued to an employer or in relation to a period of 12 months ascertained by reference to any such period of insurance, is a reference:
(a) except as provided by paragraph (b), to a reasonable estimate of the monetary value of all wages (not including any wages to which Schedule 9 applies) payable to workers by the employer in respect of the period of insurance or the period of 12 months, as the case may be:
(i) as calculated by the insurer by reference to the returns, if any, furnished in accordance with the regulations by the employer to the insurer, or
(ii) where the employer does not agree with the estimate of the insurer and applies to the WorkCover Authority for an estimate of that value—as determined by the Authority, or
(b) where the monetary value of those wages (not including any wages to which Schedule 9 applies) has been ascertained—to the actual value of those wages.
Schedule 2
Application
Schedule 2 Application
Schedule 2 Application
Schedule 3
Basic tariff premium
Schedule 3 Basic tariff premium
Schedule 3 Basic tariff premium
Schedule 4
Experience adjustment factor
Schedule 4 Experience adjustment factor
Schedule 4 Experience adjustment factor
Schedule 5
Experience premium
Schedule 5 Experience premium
Schedule 5 Experience premium
Schedule 6
Excess surcharge factor
Schedule 6 Excess surcharge factor
Schedule 6 Excess surcharge factor
The excess surcharge factor (“X”) for an employer is:
(a) where the employer is a category B employer and there has been no agreement between the employer and the insurer that the employer will repay the prescribed excess amount within the meaning of section 160 of the Act (or such smaller amount as may be agreed on) for claims which arise out of the period of insurance for which the premium is to be calculated—0.05, or
(b) in any other case—0.
Schedule 7
Minimum premium—category B employers
Schedule 7 Minimum premium—category B employers
Schedule 7 Minimum premium—category B employers
Schedule 8
Adjustment of premium
Schedule 8 Adjustment of premium
Schedule 8 Adjustment of premium
If the premium payable for a policy under this Order after the end of the period of insurance differs from the premium estimated at the commencement of that period, the difference must be met, within 4 months after the end of that period, by a further payment by the employer or by a refund to the employer, as the case requires.
Schedule 9
Reduction of premium for employers of previously injured workers etc
Schedule 9 Reduction of premium for employers of previously injured workers etc
Schedule 9 Reduction of premium for employers of previously injured workers etc
3
Wages to which this Schedule applies
3 Wages to which this Schedule applies
3 Wages to which this Schedule applies
(1) This Schedule applies to wages payable by an employer in respect of the first 12 months of employment of any worker who:
(a) is first employed by the employer (for a minimum period of employment of 12 continuous weeks) on or after 1 July 1992 but only if:
(i) the worker is partially incapacitated for work as a result of a 1987 Act injury (whether received before or after 1 July 1992) and is no longer employed by a previous employer who employed the worker at the time of the injury, or
(ii) the worker has as a result of a 1987 Act injury (whether received before or after 1 July 1992) been totally or partially incapacitated for work for a period of at least 12 weeks, is no longer employed by a previous employer who employed the worker at the time of the injury and has been continuously unemployed since that period of incapacity, or
(b) is first employed by the employer (otherwise than on a casual or temporary basis) after 1 February 1992 and before 1 July 1992, but only if:
(i) the worker is partially incapacitated for work as a result of an injury (whether received before or after 1 February 1992) and is no longer employed by a previous employer who employed the worker at the time of injury, or
(ii) the worker has been continuously unemployed for at least 3 months immediately before being employed by the employer.
(2) However, this Schedule does not apply to any such wages unless:
(a) application for a premium reduction in respect of those wages is made by the relevant employer in accordance with any guidelines under this Schedule, and
(b) any other relevant requirements of the WorkCover Authority are satisfied.
4
Guidelines—application for reduction of premium etc
4 Guidelines—application for reduction of premium etc
4 Guidelines—application for reduction of premium etc
(1) The WorkCover Authority may issue guidelines specifying the method of applying for a premium reduction under this Schedule, including:
(a) the form and manner of making an application, and
(b) any documents relating to the application that the employer must attach to it.
(2) Those guidelines may also specify the circumstances in which periods of employment or unemployment are to be regarded as continuous for the purposes of clause 3 (1).
5
Definition
5 Definition
5 Definition
(1) In this Schedule, employer does not include a self-insurer.
(2) In this Schedule, a reference, in relation to a worker, to a 1987 Act injury is a reference to an injury received by the worker after the commencement of the Act.
Schedule A
Basic tariff rates
Schedule A Basic tariff rates
Table A Basic tariff rates
Notes
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
| Classification of Employer’s Business or Industrial Activity | Rate No | Basic Rates of Premium |
| Abattoirs | 501 | 6.9% |
| Abrasive Blasting (incl Metal Spraying, Sand Blasting etc) (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Abrasives Mfg (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Accounting Services (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Adjusting and Assessing (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Advertising Agencies (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Advertising Signs—Electrical and/or Neon (see Electrical Apparatus etc). | | |
| Aerated Water and/or Soft Drink Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Aerodromes and Aviation Services—no manufacturing— | | |
| (a) Recognised air routes | 505 | 0.45% |
| (b) All other air routes | 507 | 4.6% |
| (c) Ground Staff | 508 | 2.1% |
| Aeroplane and/or Aeroplane Engine Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Agricultural Implement Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Agricultural Societies (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Air Conditioning Plant Mfg and Installing (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Aluminium Ware Mfg noc (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Aluminium Work—Sheetmetal (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Amusement Parks (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Analytical Laboratories (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Animal Clinics (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Apiaries (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Architectural Services (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Armoured Car Services (rate as for Security Services). | | |
| Artesian Boring (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| Art Galleries (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Artificial Limb and Truss Mfg (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Artificial Stone Mfg (rate as for Brickworks). | | |
| Art Metal Work (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Asbestos Sheet and/or Fibro-Cement Sheet Mfg | 523 | 2.1% |
| Asphalting (rate as for Road etc Making). | | |
| Associations—(a) Business & Professional noc (rate as for Financial Institutions).(b) Other—rate according to industry. | | |
| Athletic, Sports and/or Social Clubs— | | |
| (a) Professional Football Playing | 529 | $45.00 per capita per game |
| (b) Other—including Professional Sporting Activities noc | 531 | 1.7% |
| Auctioneering—other than Livestock (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Authorised Money Market Dealers (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Automatic Sprinkler Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Automobile Works (see Motor Vehicle Industry). | | |
| Automotive Electrical and/or Engineering Services (rate as for Motor Vehicle Industry (b)). | | |
| Bacon Mfg (see Canning etc). | | |
| Badge and Medallion Mfg (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Bag Mfg and/or Repairing— | | |
| (a) Handbags noc and incl Leather (rate as for Leather Goods Mfg).(b) Paper (rate as for Paper Mills etc).(c) Plastic (rate as for Plastic Goods Mfg (a)).(d) Textile—Sack and Meat Wrapper (rate as for Clothing Mfg noc). | | |
| Bakelite Moulding Factories (rate as for Plastic Goods Mfg (a)). | | |
| Baking—(a) Bakehouse, Factory and/or Delivery | 539 | 2.6% |
| (b) Retail—no baking on premises (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Bamboo Work (rate as for Furniture Mfg). | | |
| Banking: Trading, Saving, Development (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Barber Shops | 540 | 0.8% |
| Bark Gathering and Milling and Other Forest Work and the like noc—NOT incidental to the Timber Industry (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Baths—Medical, Sauna, Swimming, Turkish and the like (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Baths and/or Swimming Pools Construction, or Installation (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Battery—Electrical—Mfg (see Electrical Battery Mfg etc). | | |
| Bedding Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Belting Mfg—Industrial—(a) Rubber (rate as for Rubber Goods Mfg (b)).(b) Other (rate as for Leather Goods Mfg). | | |
| Benevolent Institutions (rate as for Hospitals). | | |
| Bicycle Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Bicycle Retailing—including hiring and repairing (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Billposting (rate as for Messenger Services). | | |
| Biscuit Mfg | 546 | 2.6% |
| Blacksmithing (rate as for Engineering (a)). | | |
| Blasting Operations (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| Blind Mfg— | | |
| (a) Canvas (rate as for Clothing Mfg noc). | | |
| (b) Other | 549 | 1.7% |
| Boarding Houses (rate as for Motels). | | |
| Boarding Schools (rate as for Colleges). | | |
| Boat Building (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Boat Sheds (rate as for Vessels (a)). | | |
| Boiler Making and/or Erecting (rate as for Engineering (a)). | | |
| Boiling-down Works (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Bolt, Nut, Nail and Screw Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Bond and Free Stores (rate as for Importing etc (a)). | | |
| Bone Milling (rate as for Fertiliser Works). | | |
| Book and/or Magazine Importing (see Importing etc). | | |
| Bookbinding (rate as for Printing). | | |
| Bookmaking—Racing, incl Bookmaking Clerks (rate as for Messenger Services). | | |
| Boot and Shoe Mfg and/or Repairing and/or Dealing— | | |
| (a) Wholesale and Retail (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| (b) Manufacturing and/or Repairing | 556 | 2.1% |
| Bottle Dealing (rate as for Glass Merchandising (b)). | | |
| Bowling Alleys—Tenpin (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Bowling Green Construction (rate as for Gardening (b)). | | |
| Boxing and Wrestling— | | |
| (a) Contestants | 558 | $25.00 per capita per bout |
| (b) Other (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Box Mfg— | | |
| (a) Cardboard (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| (b) Plastic (rate as for Plastic Goods Mfg (a)). | | |
| (c) Metal | 560 | 3.1% |
| (d) Wood (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| Brassware Mfg noc (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Breakwater Construction (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Breweries and/or Soft Drink Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Bricklaying (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Brickworks | 564 | 3.1% |
| Bridge Building (rate as for Road etc Making). | | |
| Broadcasting and Television | 694 | 0.65% |
| Broom and Brush Mfg (rate as for Sporting Goods Mfg (b)). | | |
| Building noc—including Clerks of Works and other workers supervising building operations | 568 | 5.6% |
| Building Cleaning—Exterior (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Building Demolition (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Building Societies: Permanent, Terminating (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Building Waterproofing (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Bus—Motor—Services (rate as for Motor Omnibus Services). | | |
| Bush Clearing—including burning off of timber (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Bush Missions and/or Bush Nursing Associations (rate as for Colleges). | | |
| Butchering—Wholesale and/or Retail— | | |
| (a) Slaughtering (rate as for Abattoirs). | | |
| (b) Other | 573 | 2.6% |
| Butter Mfg (rate as for Dairying etc). | | |
| Cabinet Mfg (rate as for Furniture Mfg). | | |
| Camping Grounds (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Canal Construction (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Candle Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Cane Work (rate as for Furniture Mfg). | | |
| Canning and/or Preserving Works—(a) Slaughtering (rate as for Abattoirs).(b) Other (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Canvas Goods Mfg (rate as for Clothing Mfg noc). | | |
| Car Parking Stations (rate as for Motor Vehicle Industry (a)). | | |
| Caravan Grounds (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Carbide Mfg—(a) Quarrying (rate as for Quarries).(b) Other (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Cardboard Mfg (rate as for Paper Mills etc). | | |
| Caretaking | 580 | 2.6% |
| Carnivals (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Carpentry and Joinery—(a) Workshop (rate as for Woodworking noc).(b) Other (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Carpet Laying and/or Cleaning (rate as for Cleaning etc (b)). | | |
| Carpet and/or Linoleum Mfg (rate as for Woollen etc Mills). | | |
| Carriage, Coach and Motor Body Building—(a) Motor (rate as for Engineering (c)).(b) Railway and Tramway (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Carrying and Carting | 583 | 4.6% |
| Case Mfg (see Box Mfg). | | |
| Casket/Coffin Mfg (rate as for Furniture Mfg). | | |
| Cassette Tape and/or Record Mfg (rate as for Broadcasting and Television). | | |
| Catering (rate as for Restaurants). | | |
| Cattle Droving Contracting (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Cattle Saleyards (rate as for Livestock Saleyards). | | |
| Ceiling—Stamped Metal—Mfg (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Cement Mfg (see Lime and Cement Works). | | |
| Cement Rendering (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Cement Ware Mfg noc (rate as for Brickworks). | | |
| Cemeteries and Crematoriums (rate as for Undertaking Services). | | |
| Cereal Food Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Charcoal Works—(a) Tree Felling (rate as for Sawmilling (a)).(b) Other (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Charities (rate according to industry). | | |
| Cheese Mfg (rate as for Dairying etc). | | |
| Chemical—Processing and Mfg noc | 591 | 1.7% |
| Chemists (Pharmaceutical)—(a) Manufacturing (rate as for Chemical etc).(b) Wholesale (see Importing etc).(c) Retail (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Child-minding Centres (rate as for Colleges). | | |
| China Mfg (rate as for Brickworks). | | |
| Chiropody (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Chiropractic (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Churches | 784 | 0.65% |
| Cigar and Cigarette Mfg (rate as for Tobacco etc Mfg). | | |
| Cinema Operating (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Circuses (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Civil Engineering Consulting (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Clay Pits (rate as for Brickworks). | | |
| Cleaning Contracting— | | |
| (a) Building—exterior (excepting Windows) (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| (b) Office, Windows and other noc | 603 | 2.6% |
| Clockmaking and/or Repairing (rate as for Umbrella Mfg etc). | | |
| Clothing Mfg noc | 607 | 2.1% |
| Clubs—(a) Aviation (see Aerodromes, etc).(b) Other (see Athletic, Sports etc). | | |
| Coach Building (see Carriage, etc). | | |
| Coal Lumping (rate as for Stevedoring). | | |
| Coal Merchandising and/or Coal Trimming—(a) Lighterage (rate as for Vessels (a)).(b) Stevedoring (rate as for Stevedoring).(c) Other (see Importing etc). | | |
| Coin Slot, Weighing and Vending Machine Shops and the like (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Coke Works (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Cold Storage (rate as for Importing etc (a)). | | |
| Collecting Agencies (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Collecting and Credit Reporting Services (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Colleges | 614 | 0.55% |
| Commercial Artists (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Community Service Organisations—rate according to industry. | | |
| Computer Services—(a) Manufacturing (rate as for Engineering (b)).(b) Installing and/or Repairing and/or Dealing (rate as for Office Machine Importing etc).(c) Other (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Concentration Works (rate as for Foundries (b)). | | |
| Concrete Contracting noc (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Concrete—Ready Mixed—(a) Mixing only (rate as for Quarries).(b) Mixing and Supplying (rate as for Carrying and Carting). | | |
| Condensed Milk Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Confectionery Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Consulting Services—(a) Market & Business noc (rate as for Financial Institutions).(b) Other—rate according to industry. | | |
| Container Depots, Bond and Free Stores and the like (rate as for Importing etc (a)). | | |
| Container Terminals (rate as for Stevedoring). | | |
| Convents and Convent Schools (rate as for Colleges). | | |
| Copper Work—Sheetmetal (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Copying, Typing and Mailing Services (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Cork Cutting and Cork Article Mfg—(a) Flooring (rate as for Cleaning etc (b)).(b) Other (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Corporation Services | 621 | 3.1% |
| (Abattoirs, Child-minding Centres, Electric Light and Power Supplying, Gas Works and Quarries at the respective rates for such). | | |
| Corset Mfg—not factories (rate as for Tailoring (b)). | | |
| Cosmetic Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Cotton Ginneries and Mills (rate as for Woollen etc Mills). | | |
| Cotton Picking and Growing (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Courier Services—(a) Messenger Services (rate as for Messenger Services).(b) Other (rate as for Carrying and Carting). | | |
| Courts (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Cranes and Hoists (rate as for Machinery Merchandising etc). | | |
| Credit Reporting and Collecting Services (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Credit Unions (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Crematoriums (rate as for Undertaking Services). | | |
| Customs Agencies—(a) Carrying (rate as for Carrying and Carting).(b) Other (see Importing etc). | | |
| Cutlery Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Dairy Apparatus Mfg and/or Installing (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Dairy Farming (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Dairying (Milk Vending and Processing) | 630 | 3.8% |
| Dam Construction and/or Cleaning (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Dance Academies or Studios (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Dance Companies (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Data Processing Services (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Decorating (rate as for Painting). | | |
| Dehydrating—Food, artificial heat process (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Dentistry and/or Dental Laboratories (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Detective Agencies (rate as for Security Services). | | |
| Diamond and Other Drilling (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| Die Casting (see Foundries). | | |
| Die Cutting and Sinking (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Distilling (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Diving (rate as for Vessels (b)). | | |
| Dock, Pier, Wharf or Retaining Wall Construction (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Docks— | | |
| (a) Stevedoring and Wharf Labouring (rate as for Stevedoring). | | |
| (b) Other | 640 | 1.7% |
| Doctors’ Surgeries | 641 | 0.35% |
| Dog Coursing (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Domestic Service (rate as for Householders—Private). | | |
| Drain Making (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Dredging—(a) Marine Shell (rate as for Quarries).(b) Other (see Mining). | | |
| Dressmaking—not factories (rate as for Tailoring (b)). | | |
| Drilling (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| Driving Schools (rate as for Messenger Services). | | |
| Droving Contracting (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Dry Cleaning and Dyeing— | | |
| (a) Depot—Shop only (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| (b) Works | 644 | 1.7% |
| Dye Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Earth Moving, Filling, Grading and Levelling (rate as for Road etc Making). | | |
| Earthenware Mfg (rate as for Brickworks). | | |
| Editing Services (rate as for Publishing (b)). | | |
| Electric Cable Mfg | 651 | 3.8% |
| Electric Light and Power Supplying, incl maintenance and extension of lines, connections, meter reading and other work | 652 | 2.6% |
| Electric Light, Power and Other Heavy Electrical Equipment Mfg, Repairing and/or Dealing noc—(a) Workshop and/or Installing and/or Dismantling and/or Repairing (rate as for Engineering (c)).(b) Dealing (see Importing etc). | | |
| Electrical Apparatus (other than Lighting, Power Supply and Other Heavy Electrical Equipment) Mfg and/or Repairing and/or Dealing noc—(a) Retail—incl Wireless and/or Television Installing and/or Dismantling (rate as for Retail Shops).(b) Other—incl Installing noc (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Electrical Battery Mfg and/or Recharging—(a) Wet Cell (rate as for Engineering (a)).(b) Dry Cell (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Electronic Apparatus (see Computer Services). | | |
| Electroplating (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Electro-therapy (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Elevator Mfg and/or Erecting—(a) Manufacturing (rate as for Engineering (c)).(b) Installing, Repairing and Servicing (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Employment Agencies—(a) Providing contract labour (rate as for industry of client).(b) Personnel Consultants (not hiring out labour) (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Engine Installing and/or Repairing (rate as for Motor Vehicle Industry (b)). | | |
| Engineering— | | |
| (a) Heavy | 760 | 4.6% |
| (b) Light Repetition | 914 | 2.6% |
| (c) noc | 657 | 3.8% |
| Engraving (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Excavating noc (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Exhibition Halls (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Exporting noc (see Importing etc). | | |
| Farming and Grazing—incl Farming and Grazing Contracting noc | 661 | 5.6% |
| Fencing—(a) Tree Felling (rate as for Sawmilling (a)).(b) Other (rate as for Gardening (b)). | | |
| Ferry Boats (rate as for Vessels (a)). | | |
| Fertiliser Works | 663 | 3.1% |
| Fibre Glass Goods Mfg (rate as for Plastic Goods Mfg (a)). | | |
| Fibro-Cement Sheet Mfg (rate as for Asbestos Sheet etc). | | |
| Fibrous Plaster and/or Plasterboard Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Film Exchanges and Distributors (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Film and/or Television Picture Producing (rate as for Broadcasting and Television). | | |
| Financial Institutions | 666 | 0.25% |
| Financiers noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Fire Brigades (rate as for Corporation Services). | | |
| Fire Escape and/or other Fire Appliances and/or Fire Door and/or Shutter Making and/or Erecting (rate as for Engineering (a)). | | |
| Fire Salvage (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Firewood Dealing and/or Procuring—(a) Tree Felling and/or Bush Work and/or Saw Work (rate as for Sawmilling (a)).(b) Other Work (see Importing etc). | | |
| Fireworks Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Fish Curing (rate as for Fishmongery). | | |
| Fishing Industry—(a) Vessels (rate as for Vessels (b)).(b) Penning and Land Work (rate as for Fishmongery). | | |
| Fishing Tackle Mfg (see Sporting Goods Mfg). | | |
| Fish Marketing Authority (rate as for Fishmongery). | | |
| Fishmongery | 671 | 2.6% |
| Floating Plants for heavy lifting (rate as for Stevedoring). | | |
| Floor Sanding and/or Polishing and/or Surfacing (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| Floorcovering laying and/or cleaning (rate as for Cleaning etc (b)). | | |
| Flour Milling (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Football Playing (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (a)). | | |
| Forestry Commission (rate as for Fruit Growing). | | |
| Forwarding Agencies—(a) Carrying (rate as for Carrying and Carting).(b) Other (see Importing etc). | | |
| Foundries— | | |
| (a) Ferrous (Iron and Steel only) | 675 | 6.9% |
| (b) Other Metals | 676 | 3.1% |
| Free Stores (rate as for Importing etc (a)). | | |
| Freezing Works (rate as for Importing etc (a)). | | |
| French Polishing (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Frozen Foods—Processing and Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Fruit Drying and Packing (rate as for Fruit Growing). | | |
| Fruit Growing—including own packing | 679 | 4.6% |
| Fruit and/or Vegetable Agencies and/or Exporting (see Importing etc). | | |
| Fumigating (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Furniture Mfg | 682 | 3.8% |
| Furriery—workshop (rate as for Tailoring (b)). | | |
| | | |
| Galvanising (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Gambling Services noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Garages (see Motor Vehicle Industry). | | |
| Garbage Services (rate as for Sanitary etc Services). | | |
| Gardening— | | |
| (a) Domestic (rate as for Householders—Private). | | |
| (b) Landscape and other noc | 685 | 2.6% |
| Gasfitting Services (rate as for Plumbing etc Services). | | |
| Gas Works—incl operation of gas house, maintenance of existing works and mains, connections, meter reading and other work | 687 | 1.4% |
| Glass Merchandising— | | |
| (a) Retail (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| (b) Other | 689 | 3.8% |
| Glass and Glass Bottle Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Glazing (rate as for Glass Merchandising (b)). | | |
| Government Administrative Authorities noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Grain and Produce Marketing Authorities noc (see Importing etc). | | |
| Grain Merchandising (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Granite Works (see Lime and Cement Works). | | |
| Gravel and Sand Pits (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| Grocery Mfg noc and/or Merchandising noc | 696 | 3.1% |
| Guest Houses (rate as for Motels). | | |
| Guns—Repairing and/or Dealing (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Gut Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Gymnasiums (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Hairdressing (rate as for Barber Shops). | | |
| Halls (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Ham Mfg (see Canning etc). | | |
| Hardware Merchandising—(a) Wholesale (see Importing etc).(b) Retail (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Hat and/or Cap Mfg (rate as for Tailoring (b)). | | |
| Health and Fitness Centres (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Heavy Equipment Mfg, e.g. Bulldozers, Cranes, Construction Equipment etc (rate as for Engineering (a)). | | |
| Herb Merchandising (see Chemists (Pharmaceutical)). | | |
| Hide and Skin Stores (rate as for Tanneries). | | |
| Hire Cars (rate as for Taxi Cab etc). | | |
| Hire Services—(a) Clothing, Camping, Crockery, Indoor Garden Plant and the like (rate as for Retail Shops).(b) Plant and Heavy Equipment (rate as for Machinery Merchandising etc). | | |
| Holder—Investor noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Holding Companies—(a) Mainly engaged in holding shares in their subsidiary company (or companies) (rate as for Financial Institutions).(b) Other—rate according to industry. | | |
| Home Care Services (rate as for Hospitals). | | |
| Horse Dealing and/or Shipping (rate as for Livestock Saleyards). | | |
| Horse Training and/or Horse Breaking (rate as for Racing Stables). | | |
| Hospitals | 708 | 2.6% |
| Hostels (rate as for Motels). | | |
| Hotel-Motels (rate as for Hotels). | | |
| Hotels | 710 | 1.7% |
| Houseboats (rate as for Vessels (a)). | | |
| Householders—Private(Workers employed by a Body Corporate as defined in the Strata Titles Act 1973—rate as for Caretaking). | 714 | $5.00 per capita per annum |
| | | |
| Ice and Ice Cream Mfg (rate as for Dairying etc). | | |
| Importing noc, Exporting noc and/or Warehousing noc— | | |
| (a) Involved in Goods Handling | 717 | 1.15% |
| (b) Other (rate as for Messenger Services). | | |
| Indoor Garden Plant Hire Services (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Industrial Gas Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Industrial Waste Disposal Services (rate as for Sanitary etc Services). | | |
| Insurance—(a) Life, General, Health (rate as for Financial Institutions).(b) Services to Insurance Industry noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Investigating Agencies (rate as for Security Services). | | |
| Irrigation Channel Work (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Jewellery Mfg (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Job Printing (rate as for Printing). | | |
| Jockeys | 723 | $9.00 per mount or drive |
| Joinery (see Carpentry and Joinery). | | |
| Kalsomine Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Kindergartens (rate as for Colleges). | | |
| Knitwear Mfg (rate as for Clothing Mfg noc). | | |
| Laboratories noc (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Lamp Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Lamp Shade Mfg (rate as for Box Mfg (c)). | | |
| Land Trusts, Mutual Funds, Unit Trusts (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Lapidaries (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Laundrettes—Coin operated only (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Laundries | 731 | 2.6% |
| Lead Works (rate as for Foundries (b)). | | |
| Leather Goods Mfg n.o.c | 733 | 3.8% |
| Leather Merchandising (rate as for Tanneries). | | |
| Legal Services (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Lifesaving—on beaches in connection with surfing—(a) Council employees (rate as for Corporation Services).(b) Other (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Lime and Cement Works— | | |
| (a) Quarrying (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| (b) Other | 739 | 3.1% |
| Linoleum Laying and/or Cleaning (rate as for Cleaning etc (b)). | | |
| Linoleum Mfg (rate as for Woollen etc Mills). | | |
| Linotype Setting (rate as for Publishing (b)). | | |
| Linseed Oil Cake and similar products Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Lithographic Services—preparation of plates only (rate as for Photography etc). | | |
| Livestock Saleyards—including Auctioneering of Livestock and Stock and Station Agencies | 744 | 0.95% |
| Locks and Guns—Repairing and/or Dealing (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Loose Cover—Furniture—Mfg (rate as for Tailoring (b)). | | |
| Lotteries (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Machinery Dealing and/or Repairing noc—Second Hand (rate as for Machinery Merchandising etc). | | |
| Machinery Mfg noc (see Engineering). | | |
| Machinery Merchandising, Importing and Agencies noc | 747 | 2.6% |
| Mail Contracting (rate as for Messenger Services). | | |
| Mailing, Copying and Typing Services (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Malt Making (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Manufacturers’ Agencies noc (see Importing etc). | | |
| Marble and Granite Works (see Lime and Cement Works). | | |
| Margarine Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Marine Salvage (rate as for Vessels (b)). | | |
| Marine Shell Dredging (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| Marine Stores (see Ships’ Shop Provedores). | | |
| Market Gardening (rate as for Gardening (b)). | | |
| Mason Work—including Building and Monumental and Stone Work (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Match Factories (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Mat Mfg—(a) Wire Work (rate as for Engineering (c)).(b) Other (rate as for Woollen etc Mills). | | |
| Mattress Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Meat Canning and/or Meat Preserving Works (see Canning etc). | | |
| Medallion Mfg (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Merchandising noc (see Importing etc). | | |
| Messenger Services | 762 | 0.45% |
| Metal Ceiling Mfg (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Metal Dealing and Exporting (rate as for Engineering (a)). | | |
| Metal Fabricating (see Structural Engineering). | | |
| Metal Furniture Mfg (rate as for Furniture Mfg). | | |
| Metal Spraying (incl Abrasive Blasting) (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Metal Welding—(a) Structural Engineering (see Structural Engineering).(b) Other (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Metal Working noc (rate as for Engineering (a)). | | |
| Meter Mfg and/or Assembly noc | 766 | 1.7% |
| Milk Dealing and Vending—Delivery (rate as for Dairying etc). | | |
| Milk Processing (rate as for Dairying etc). | | |
| Millinery—(a) Retail (rate as for Retail Shops).(b) Other (rate as for Tailoring (b)). | | |
| Mineral Earth Works (see Lime and Cement Works). | | |
| Mineral Water Bottling (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Mining— | | |
| (a) Other than Broken Hill and District— | | |
| 1. Coal Mining | 769 | 5.6% |
| 2. Gold and Other Mining— | | |
| (i) Underground Operations | 778 | 4.6% |
| (ii) Dredging and/or Sluicing and other Surface Operations | 780 | 2.1% |
| (iii) Quarrying (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| (b) Broken Hill and District— | | |
| Including Liability under Workmen’s Compensation (Lead Poisoning—Broken Hill) Act 1922 and Workmen’s Compensation (Lead Poisoning—Broken Hill) Amendment Act 1924. | | |
| Underground Operations | 781 | 4.6% |
| Surface Operations | 782 | 3.1% |
| Ministers of Religion (rate as for Churches). | | |
| (Ministers of Religion may be deemed by Regulation to be workers under clause 17 of Schedule 1 to the Workers Compensation Act 1987). | | |
| Modelling in Clay, Stucco, Plaster and the like—(a) Building work (rate as for Building noc).(b) Other (rate as for Asbestos Sheet etc). | | |
| Money Market Dealing noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Motels | 790 | 1.15% |
| Motion Picture Producing (rate as for Broadcasting and Television). | | |
| Motion Picture Theatres (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Motor Body Building (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Motor Car, Motor Cycle and/or Cycle Racing Tracks or Racing Grounds incl Racing Drivers, Motor Racing Cyclists and the like (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Motor Omnibus Services | 785 | 1.7% |
| Motor Vehicle Rental Services (see Motor Vehicle Industry). | | |
| Motor Vehicle Industry— | | |
| (a) Selling—including Service Stations—no repairing | 786 | 0.95% |
| (b) Garage and Service Stations—repairing | 787 | 1.7% |
| (c) Manufacturing and assembling new vehicles (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Municipal Services (see Corporation Services). | | |
| Museums (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Music Halls (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Music Performing (rate as for Broadcasting and Television). | | |
| Musical Instrument Mfg and/or Repairing (rate as for Meter Mfg etc). | | |
| Mutual Funds, Land Trusts, Unit Funds (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Nail Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Nautical Instrument Mfg (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Neon Type Sign Mfg and/or Dealing (see Electrical Apparatus etc). | | |
| Net Mfg (see Rope and/or Twine Works). | | |
| Newsagencies (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Newspaper Publishing (see Publishing). | | |
| Nurseries—flowers, etc (rate as for Gardening (b)). | | |
| Nursing Homes (rate as for Hospitals). | | |
| Nut-Edible—Shelling, Roasting and Packing (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Office Machine Importing and/or Dealing and/or Repairing | 796 | 0.35% |
| Oil and Petroleum Depots (rate as for Oil Importing etc). | | |
| Oil Cake Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Oil (Non-Edible) Importing and/or Blending and/or Compounding and/or Refining | 799 | 1.4% |
| Oil Mills and Works (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Optical Retailing (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Optical Services (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Optometrists (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Orchards (rate as for Fruit Growing). | | |
| Orchestras (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Ore Reduction and/or Refining (rate as for Foundries (b)). | | |
| Organ Building and/or Repairing (rate as for Meter Mfg etc). | | |
| Owners of Vehicles and Vessels in respect of persons who are bailees (rate as for Taxi Cab etc). | | |
| Oyster Leaseholds (rate as for Fishmongery). | | |
| Packing Case Mfg (see Box Mfg). | | |
| Painting | 805 | 4.6% |
| Paint Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Paper Cup and Other Paper Products Mfg and Other Paper Converting noc (rate as for Paper Mills etc). | | |
| Paperhanging (rate as for Painting). | | |
| Paper Merchandising (see Importing etc). | | |
| Paper Mills incl Paper Products Mfg and Paper Converting | 808 | 2.6% |
| Park Trusts (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Partitioning—Demountable Fixing (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| Pastry Making (see Baking). | | |
| Patent Medicine Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Pattern Making—(a) Transfer Paper (rate as for Printing).(b) Other (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| Paving (rate as for Road etc Making). | | |
| Pawnbroking (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Performing Artists (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Pest Exterminating (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Photographic Supplies Mfg—(a) Paper and the like (rate as for Paper Mills etc).(b) Chemicals (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Photography incl Developing | 814 | 0.25% |
| Phototypesetting Services (rate as for Publishing (b)). | | |
| Physiotherapy (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Piano Making and/or Organ Building and/or Repairing (rate as for Meter Mfg etc). | | |
| Picture Frame Mfg and/or Picture Frame Moulding Mfg (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| Pier Construction (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Piggeries (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Pile Driving (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Pipe Laying (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Pipe Lining Mfg—(a) Plastic (rate as for Chemical etc).(b) Other—rate according to industry. | | |
| Pipe Mfg—(a) Concrete and Earthenware (rate as for Brickworks).(b) Iron (rate as for Engineering (c)).(c) Other—rate according to industry. | | |
| Plaster Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Plasterboard and/or Wallboard Fixing (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| Plastering (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Plastic Goods Mfg— | | |
| (a) Moulded and Extruded Products | 823 | 3.1% |
| (b) Other—rate according to industry. | | |
| Plastic Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Pleasure Boats (rate as for Vessels (a)). | | |
| Pleasure Grounds | 824 | 2.1% |
| Plumbing and Gasfitting Services | 825 | 3.1% |
| Plywood and Pressed Board Mfg (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| Podiatry (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Political Parties (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Pottery Mfg (rate as for Brickworks). | | |
| Poultry Processing | 830 | 5.6% |
| Poultry Farming | 831 | 3.8% |
| Poultry Feed Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Printing | 833 | 1.15% |
| Printing Materials Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Produce Merchandising (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Property Operators & Developers noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Property Owning—re repairs to buildings (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Public Works noc (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Publishing— | | |
| (a) Publishing and Printing (rate as for Printing). | | |
| (b) Other | 741 | 0.8% |
| Pump and/or Windmill Mfg and/or Erecting (rate as for Engineering (a)). | | |
| Quarries | 838 | 3.1% |
| Rabbit Trapping (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Racing Clubs—(a) Jockeys (rate as for Jockeys).(b) Other (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Racing Stables—all work (excepting Racing—rate as for Jockeys) | 841 | 6.9% |
| Radio Mfg and/or Repairing and/or Dealing (see Electrical Apparatus etc). | | |
| Radio Broadcasting (rate as for Broadcasting and Television). | | |
| Railway Construction and/or Demolition (rate as for Road etc Making). | | |
| Railway Sidings—construction of—for the Insured by workers of the State Rail Authority, including legal liability to pay compensation under clause 46 of Schedule 7 to the Transport Administration Act 1988 (rate as for Road and/or Railway Maintenance). | | |
| Railways and Tramways (rate as for Carrying and Carting). | | |
| Real Estate Agencies (rate as for Messenger Services). | | |
| Record and/or Cassette Tape Mfg (rate as for Broadcasting and Television). | | |
| Refreshment Rooms (rate as for Restaurants). | | |
| Refrigerating Works (rate as for Importing etc (a)). | | |
| Religious Institutions noc (rate as for Churches). | | |
| Residential Colleges (rate as for Motels). | | |
| Residential Property Operators noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Restaurants | 846 | 1.4% |
| Retail Shops | 847 | 1.4% |
| Rice Milling (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Riding Schools (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Ringbarking and/or Suckering (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Road and/or Railway Maintenance—i.e. repairing existing roads and/or railways and incl the construction of Railway Sidings for the Insured by workers of the State Rail Authority including legal liability to pay compensation under clause 46 of Schedule 7 to the Transport Administration Act 1988 | 849 | 2.6% |
| Road and/or Railway Making—i.e. making new roads and railways | 850 | 3.8% |
| Roof Plumbing (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Roofing and/or Roof Tiling (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Rope and/or Twine Works— | | |
| (a) Wire Rope (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| (b) Other (rate as for Sporting Goods Mfg (b)). | | |
| Rubber Goods Mfg— | | |
| (a) Moulded and Extruded Products only (rate as for Plastic Goods Mfg (a)). | | |
| (b) Tyre, Belting and Other Rubber Goods noc | 854 | 3.8% |
| Rubber Solution Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Rubber Stamp Mfg (rate as for Publishing (b)). | | |
| Rural Lands Protection Boards (rate as for Livestock Saleyards). | | |
| Saddlery (rate as for Leather Goods Mfg). | | |
| Sailmaking (rate as for Tailoring (b)). | | |
| Salt Lick Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Salvage—(a) Fire (rate as for Building noc).(b) Marine (rate as for Vessels (b)). | | |
| Sand Blasting (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Sand Pits (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| Sanitary and/or Industrial Waste Disposal Services | 860 | 5.6% |
| Sausage Casing and Gut Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Sawmilling— | | |
| (a) Mills and/or Mill Yards breaking down timber from the bush including timber getting and/or bush work, i.e. tree felling, sawing, splitting and/or conveying to mill | 862 | 8.4% |
| (b) Other Mills and/or Mill Yards | 864 | 4.6% |
| (c) Timber Storage Yards—not Mill Yards | 865 | 3.8% |
| Scale Mfg—(a) Weighbridges and Other Heavy Scales (rate as for Engineering (a)).(b) Light Scales only (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Schools (rate as for Colleges). | | |
| Scientific Instrument Mfg | 867 | 1.15% |
| Scrap Dealing (rate as for Engineering (a)). | | |
| Screw Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Second Hand Machinery Dealing and/or Repairing (rate as for Machinery Merchandising etc). | | |
| Security Services—Armoured Car, Patrol, Guard and the like | 969 | 2.1% |
| Seed Cleaning and/or Grading (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Seed Merchandising (see Importing etc). | | |
| Septic Tank Construction (rate as for Brickworks). | | |
| Septic Tank Installing (rate as for Plumbing etc). | | |
| Service Stations (see Motor Vehicle Industry). | | |
| Services to Finance & Investment noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Services to Insurance Industry noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Sewer Construction (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Sewing Machine Dealing and/or Importing and/or Assembling and/or Repairing (see Importing etc). | | |
| Sheep Shearing and/or Droving Contracting (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Sheet Metal Working noc (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Sheltered Workshops—rate according to industry. | | |
| Ship Building and/or Repairing and/or Cleaning (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Shipping Agencies in respect of workers engaged on vessels in cleaning, overhauling and/or repairing (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Ships (see Vessels). | | |
| Ships’ Shop Provedores—(a) Wholesale (see Importing etc).(b) Retail (rate as for Retail Shops).(c) Rigging (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Shire Services (see Corporation Services). | | |
| Shop and Office Fitting (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| Show Case Mfg (rate as for Furniture Mfg). | | |
| Signwriting (rate as for Painting). | | |
| Silk Screen Printing (rate as for Printing). | | |
| Silverware and/or Cutlery Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Skating Rinks (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Slate Yards (see Lime and Cement Works). | | |
| Slaughtering (rate as for Abattoirs). | | |
| Small Arms Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Smallgoods—Meat—Mfg—(a) General Butchering (rate as for Butchering (b)).(b) Other (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Smelting Works noc (rate as for Foundries (b)). | | |
| Soap and/or Candle Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Soft Drink Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Softgoods Warehouses (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Solder Mfg (rate as for Foundries (b)). | | |
| Spark Plug Mfg (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Spectacle Frame Mfg (rate as for Plastic Goods Mfg (a)). | | |
| Spectacles and/or Spectacle Frames Retailing (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Speed Boats—racing (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Spinning Mills (rate as for Woollen etc Mills). | | |
| Sporting Goods Mfg— | | |
| (a) Woodwork (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| (b) Other | 890 | 2.6% |
| Spring Mfg—(a) Vehicular (rate as for Engineering (a)).(b) Other (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Stationery Mfg (rate as for Paper Mills etc). | | |
| Steel Fabricating (see Structural Engineering). | | |
| Steel Mfg (rate as for Engineering (a)). | | |
| Stevedoring—including Container Terminals | 893 | 3.8% |
| Stock and Station Agencies (rate as for Livestock Saleyards). | | |
| Stock Exchanges (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Stock Feed Mfg (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Stone Breaking and Crushing (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| Stone Yards (see Lime and Cement Works). | | |
| Stonemason Work (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Stores—Bulk noc (rate as for Importing etc (a)). | | |
| Strata Titles—Bodies Corporate (rate as for Caretaking). | | |
| Structural Engineering—(a) Fabrication in workshop (rate as for Engineering (a)).(b) Structural work on buildings (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Sugar Cane Growing and/or Sugar Cane Contracting—incl cutting and/or delivery to mill, jetty or on punt (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Sugar Milling (rate as for Grocery etc). | | |
| Suitcase Mfg (see Bag Mfg). | | |
| Superannuation Funds (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Surgical Instrument Mfg (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Surveying—Land and Marine (rate as for Colleges). | | |
| Suspended Ceiling Fixing (rate as for Woodworking noc). | | |
| Swimming Pools (rate as for Athletic, Sports etc (b)). | | |
| Swimming Pools Construction, or Installation (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Swimming Pools (Fibreglass) Mfg (rate as for Plastic Goods Mfg (a)). | | |
| Swimming Schools (rate as for Colleges). | | |
| Tailoring— | | |
| (a) Factories (rate as for Clothing Mfg noc). | | |
| (b) Other | 902 | 1.7% |
| Take-Away Food Establishments (rate as for Restaurants). | | |
| Tallying Services (rate as for Docks (b)). | | |
| Tank and Dam Construction and/or Cleaning (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Tanneries—incl Leather Merchandising | 905 | 3.8% |
| Tape Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Tape—Cassette Mfg and Recording (rate as for Broadcasting and Television). | | |
| Taverns and Bars (rate as for Hotels). | | |
| Taxi Cab and/or Hire Cars— | | |
| (a) Drivers | 907 | $2.40 per shift |
| (b) Other (rate as for Motor Omnibus Services). | | |
| Telephone and Electronic Equipment Cleansing Services (rate as for Office Machine Importing etc). | | |
| Television Broadcasting (rate as for Broadcasting and Television). | | |
| Television Mfg and/or Repairing and/or Dealing (see Electrical Apparatus etc). | | |
| Terra-Cotta Mfg (rate as for Brickworks). | | |
| Terrazzo—(a) Mfg—other than Tiles (see Lime and Cement Works).(b) Paving (rate as for Road etc Making).(c) Other (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Theatre Companies (rate as for Theatres). | | |
| Theatres | 910 | 0.95% |
| Theme Parks (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
| Tile Mfg (rate as for Brickworks). | | |
| Tiling—(a) Pavement (rate as for Road etc Making).(b) Other (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Timber Getting and/or Bush Work (rate as for Sawmilling (a)). | | |
| Timber Merchandising (rate as for Sawmilling (c)). | | |
| Timber Storage Yards (rate as for Sawmilling (c)). | | |
| Tobacco Growing (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Tobacco, Cigar and Cigarette Mfg | 913 | 2.1% |
| Tool Making noc (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Totalizator Machine Mfg and/or Repairing (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Tow Trucking—(a) Towing Only (rate as for Carrying and Carting).(b) In conjunction with repair activities (rate as for Motor Vehicle Industry (b)). | | |
| Toy Mfg—(a) Wood (rate as for Woodworking noc).(b) Plastic (see Plastic Goods Mfg).(c) Soft (rate as for Clothing Mfg noc).(d) Other (rate as for Engineering (b)). | | |
| Trade Unions (rate as for Messenger Services). | | |
| Transfer Paper Pattern Making (rate as for Printing). | | |
| Travel Agencies (rate as for Messenger Services). | | |
| Trunk Mfg—(a) Metal (see Box Mfg).(b) Wood (rate as for Woodworking noc)(c) Other (see Bag Mfg). | | |
| Truss Mfg (rate as for Scientific Instrument Mfg). | | |
| Tunnelling noc (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Typesetting Services (rate as for Publishing (b)). | | |
| Typing, Copying and Mailing Services (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Umbrella Mfg and/or Repairing | 922 | 0.8% |
| Undertaking Services | 923 | 2.6% |
| Unit Trusts, Land Trusts, Mutual Funds (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Upholstering—(a) Cabinet and/or Furniture Mfg (rate as for Furniture Mfg).(b) Other (rate as for Tailoring (b)). | | |
| Vending, Weighing and/or Coin Slot Machine Shops and the like (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Vessels— | | |
| (a) Ferries and Other Vessels noc | 926 | 2.6% |
| (b) Trawlers and Other Fishing Vessels | 933 | 5.6% |
| Veterinary Services (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Video Libraries (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Vineyards—(a) Vineyard Work (rate as for Fruit Growing).(b) Wine Making (rate as for Wine Making). | | |
| Vinegar Making (rate as for Wine Making). | | |
| Warehousing noc (rate as for Importing etc (a)). | | |
| Waste Disposal Services (rate as for Sanitary etc Services). | | |
| Watchmaking and Clockmaking and/or Repairing (rate as for Umbrella Mfg etc). | | |
| Water Boards (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Waterproofing Buildings (rate as for Building noc). | | |
| Waterproofing Products Mfg (rate as for Chemical etc). | | |
| Waterworks—Construction and extension | 940 | 4.6% |
| Weaving Mills (rate as for Woollen etc Mills). | | |
| Weighing, Vending and/or Coin Slot Machine Shops and the like (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Welfare Services noc (rate as for Financial Institutions). | | |
| Well Sinking (rate as for Quarries). | | |
| Wharf Construction (rate as for Waterworks). | | |
| Wharf Labouring (rate as for Stevedoring). | | |
| Wharfs (see Docks). | | |
| Wheat Grading and/or Sampling at Silo and/or Stacking (rate as for Farming and Grazing). | | |
| Wicker Work (rate as for Furniture Mfg). | | |
| Window Cleaning (rate as for Cleaning (b)). | | |
| Window Dressing (rate as for Retail Shops). | | |
| Wine Making | 947 | 3.1% |
| Wine and/or Spirit Merchandising—Wholesale | 948 | 1.15% |
| Wire and/or Wire Products Mfg (rate as for Engineering (c)). | | |
| Wooden Furniture Mfg (rate as for Furniture Mfg). | | |
| Woodworking n.o.c | 955 | 3.8% |
| Woollen and Other Textile Mills | 956 | 2.6% |
| Wool Sampling and Classing (rate as for Wool Stores). | | |
| Woolscouring (rate as for Woollen etc Mills). | | |
| Wool Stores—of Pastoral Companies and the like | 960 | 3.1% |
| Wrestling (see Boxing and Wrestling). | | |
| X-ray Work (rate as for Doctors’ Surgeries). | | |
| Yarn Mills (rate as for Woollen etc Mills). | | |
| Zoological Gardens (rate as for Pleasure Grounds). | | |
6
6
6
In determining whether businesses are separate and distinct (for tariff classification purposes) it is relevant to take the following into account:
(a) the nature of the operations and activities (including incidental operations and activities) respectively carried on in the businesses,
(b) differences in the identity of the employees respectively engaged in the businesses (and in particular of the employees engaged in the manufacturing or industrial activities and operations),
(c) differences in locations of the businesses, for example, differences in locations may vary from sites far removed from each other, or separate floors in a given building, or even separate parts on the one floor level of a building (the important element in relation to location is that normally separate and distinct businesses have exclusive use of the particular area in which the operations and activities of the business are carried on).
7
7
7
There is no tariff classification of “Clerical Staffs—office work” or “Commercial Travelling”. Consequently the wages of any such employees will attract the basic tariff premium appropriate to the employer’s business.
8
8
8
In the event that an employer carries on separate and distinct businesses then employees of the type previously eligible to attract the “Clerical Staffs—office work”, or “Commercial Travelling”, tariffs are to each be allocated to one of those two or more separate and distinct businesses. Any such allocation will be on the following basis:
(a) if such an employee is occupied wholly or predominantly in just one of the employer’s separate and distinct businesses then the entire wages of the employee will attract the tariff classification premium rate appropriate to that business,
(b) if such an employee is occupied substantially in more than one of the employer’s separate and distinct businesses then the entire wages of the employee will attract the lowest tariff classification premium rate appropriate to the various business activities in which the employee is occupied. (In the event that those two or more separate and distinct businesses each have the same basic tariff rate then the employee’s entire wages will attract the tariff classification with the lowest rate number.)
9
9
9
If an employer has employees who fall within the business covered by Table A’s tariff rate numbers 529, 558, 714, 723 or 907, the employees are to be rated on the basis of those respective tariffs, rather than on the basis of the employees’ wages.
10
10
10
To be eligible for tariff rate number 666 (Financial Institutions) an employer must carry on only one business and such a business must be of the type attracting tariff rate number 666.
11
11
11
“Mfg” means “Manufacturing”.
12
12
12
“noc” means “Not Otherwise Classified”.
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from legislation.nsw.gov.au, CC BY 4.0.
Schedule 1 Interpretation
Schedule 1 Interpretation
Schedule 1 Interpretation
1 Definitions
1 Definitions
1 Definitions
(1) In this Order:
basic tariff premium, in relation to a policy, means the basic tariff premium for the policy calculated in accordance with Schedule 3.
category A employer, in relation to a policy, means an employer whose basic tariff premium for the policy at the time at which the insurer first demands a premium for the policy would exceed $2,000, assuming the period of insurance to which the premium relates to be 12 months (whether or not that period of insurance is in fact 12 months).
category B employer means an employer, other than a category A employer.
claim means a claim made by a person against an employer to which a policy relates.
dust diseases contribution, in relation to an employer, means an amount equivalent to the contributions, if any, payable by an insurer in respect of the employer to the Workers’ Compensation (Dust Diseases) Fund and the Dust Diseases Reserve Fund.
employer includes a person who proposes to become an employer.
insurer means a licensed insurer, or a former licensed insurer, within the meaning of the Act.
period of insurance, in relation to a policy, means a period for which an insurer assumes risk under the policy, being a period which commences on the first day on which the policy is in force after having been issued or renewed.
policy or policy of insurance means a policy of insurance within the meaning of the Act.
premiums adjustment contribution, in relation to an employer, means an amount equivalent to such part of the contributions, if any, payable by an insurer to the Premiums Adjustment Fund under section 208 of the Act as relates to the premium payable by the employer to the insurer.
regulations means regulations under the Act.
the Act means the Workers Compensation Act 1987.
wages means wages as defined in section 174 (9) of the Act.
(2) The value of any amount of money calculated or included in a calculation under this Order is to be expressed in dollars.
(3) In this Order, a reference to wages which are payable by an employer includes a reference to wages which have been paid by the employer.
2 Determination of wages
The Order uses and modifies key Act concepts, such as wages (referencing s 174(9) of the Act) and the prescribed excess amount under s 160 of the Act, and integrates insurer contributions to funds established under the Act, for example the Premiums Adjustment Fund (s 208) and dust diseases funds (Schedule 1 definitions). All monetary figures and computed amounts are to be expressed in dollars (Schedule 1 cl 1(2)). The instrument thereby translates statutory structures under the Act into concrete premium calculations, roles, timelines and administrative defaults for the specified policy year.
Main concepts
This Order deploys a small set of interlocking quantitative and classificatory concepts that determine premium liability. Key concepts are defined and then combined by formulas.
Definitions and cross-references: Schedule 1 provides essential definitions. “Basic tariff premium” is defined as that calculated under Schedule 3. “Employer” includes a person proposing to become an employer. “Insurer” means a licensed or former licensed insurer within the meaning of the Act. “Wages” is to be read as defined in s 174(9) of the Act, and the Order specifies that wages payable includes wages already paid (Schedule 1 cl 1(1) and cl 1(3)). The Order also defines “category A employer” as one whose basic tariff premium would exceed $2,000 for a 12-month period, and “category B” as everyone else (Schedule 1 cl 1(1)).
Classification and tariff table: Schedule A is the tariff schedule that matches industry classifications to a rate number and a basic rate of premium, for example “Abattoirs” (rate no. 501) at 6.9 per cent. Notes to Schedule A set rules for applying classifications when an employer carries on a single business or multiple businesses, and for special items (note 9 ports certain per capita rates, note 7 clarifies there is no separate clerical tariff) (Schedule A notes 1-12).
Basic tariff premium, T: Schedule 3 cl 1 gives a formula, where the employer’s wages are apportioned into components Wa, Wb … Wn corresponding to the tariff classifications applicable to the employer, each multiplied by the corresponding rate Ra, Rb … Rn from Table A. Schedule 3 cl 2 gives insurers the role of determining classifications and wage-attribution by reference to returns furnished by the employer; employers can dispute and apply to the WorkCover Authority for a determination.
Experience adjustment factor, S: Schedule 4 sets S to be calculated by a formula where an employer insured and supplying particulars for the preceding two years has S determined from the basic tariff T and claim history; otherwise S is zero. Clause 2 in Schedule 4 preserves continuity for employers who were previously self-insurers, treating them as if insured for the prior period for purposes of calculating S.
Experience premium, E: Schedule 5 sets out the calculation of E for different timing cases: an initial premium payable before the policy period ends, after an expired period shorter than 12 months, and after an expired period of 12 months or more. The formula uses wage totals (W, W0, W1, W2), claim-cost totals (C0, C1, C2) and fixed coefficients (F35=3.5, F36=2.6, and F37-F39 which the Governor determines and publishes). Schedule 5 cl 2 authorises a 15 per cent increase to W1 for renewal premiums where the employer fails to supply a required return.
Excess surcharge factor, X: Schedule 6 sets X at 0.05 where the employer is a category B employer and has not agreed with the insurer to repay the prescribed excess amount under s 160 of the Act for claims arising in the period; otherwise X is zero. This creates an explicit surcharge for employers who decline to accept repayment liability for excesses, but it applies only to category B employers in the absence of agreement.
Minimum premium for category B employers: Schedule 7 requires an increase to a specified minimum premium where the computed premium for a category B employer who is not required to repay the prescribed excess would otherwise fall below the minimum. The minimums are $30 for domestic or similar workers and $80 for other policies.
Adjustments and reconciliations: Schedule 8 requires that differences between estimated and actual premiums be met by refund or further payment within four months after the policy period ends.
Wage exclusions for premium reduction: Schedule 9 permits exclusion of wages from premium calculation for particular workers who meet the timing and injury/unemployment criteria, subject to employer application and compliance with WorkCover Authority guidelines.
Collectively, these concepts define who pays what and when, set administrative defaults and penalties for missing information, and allocate authority between insurers, the WorkCover Authority, and the Governor for specific numeric or rule determinations. Every calculation is anchored to wage totals, the industry classification table, historical claims cost and some Governor-prescribed coefficients, as the Order specifies (Schedules 3, 4, 5, and A).
Who it affects
The Order imposes obligations and determines financial liability for several distinct actors, with discrete decision points assigned to particular bodies. The main affected parties are employers, insurers, the WorkCover Authority, and the Governor.
Employers: Employers bear the primary financial burden: the basic tariff premium, experience premium or adjustments, any excess surcharge where applicable, and minimum premiums for small category B employers. The Order defines “employer” broadly to include a person proposing to become an employer (Schedule 1 cl 1(1)). Employers must provide returns and particulars as required by the regulations to permit insurers to calculate premiums and S and E factors (Schedule 3 cl 2; Schedule 4 cl 1(a)(ii); Schedule 5 cl 1(1) definitions). Failure to supply required returns triggers concrete insurer powers, including a 15 per cent increase to W1 for renewal calculations (Schedule 5 cl 2). Employers who employ certain previously injured or long-unemployed workers may be eligible to have the wages of those workers excluded from premium calculations, but only if they make an application under guidelines set by the WorkCover Authority and satisfy “any other relevant requirements” of the Authority (Schedule 9 cl 3 and cl 4).
Insurers: Insurers calculate initial premiums, classify employers under the tariff, apportion wages among classifications by reference to employer returns, demand premiums, and make adjustments post-period (Schedule 3 cl 2; Schedule 8). The Order explicitly identifies the insurer as the body to calculate wages by reference to returns, or apply the Authority-determined estimate where the employer disputes the insurer’s estimate (Schedule 2 cl 2). Insurers are also the entities required under the Act to pay contributions such as the dust diseases contribution and premiums adjustment contribution; Schedule 1 defines these contributions and ties them to calculations.
WorkCover Authority: The Authority plays a dispute-resolution and guideline role. Where an employer disagrees with the insurer’s estimate of wages for premium calculation, the employer may apply to the WorkCover Authority for an estimate, and the Authority’s determination replaces the insurer’s estimate (Schedule 2 cl 2). The Authority is required to receive particulars of claims for experience calculations (Schedule 4 cl 1(a)(ii) requires the employer to have supplied particulars complying with the regulations), and may issue guidelines for applications for premium reduction under Schedule 9, specifying the form and documents required and continuity rules for periods of employment or unemployment (Schedule 9 cl 4). The Order therefore allocates administrative and quasi-judicial functions to the Authority.
The Governor: The Governor is given the power to determine certain numeric factors (F37-F39) that enter the Schedule 5 experience premium formula, on the recommendation of the WorkCover Authority, and to notify them in the Gazette (Schedule 5 cl 1 definitions). This gives an executive, rule-setting input into the numerical mechanics of premium calculation.
Workers: Workers are affected indirectly through premium costs and employer incentives. The Order explicitly excludes from the wage base for premium calculation wages which fall within Schedule 9 once an application is made and requirements met, thereby creating an incentive for employers to hire certain previously injured or long‑term unemployed workers under the conditions specified (Schedule 9 cl 3-4). Workers who are jockeys, taxi drivers, household private workers and certain sporting participants are rated on per capita bases under Schedule A note 9, which alters the premium incidence compared with percentage-of-wages tariffs.
Small employers and category B employers: The Order differentiates treatment by employer size/category. Category A is defined by a basic tariff premium that would exceed $2,000 on a 12-month basis (Schedule 1 cl 1(1)). Category B employers face the minimum premium regime, and a potential excess surcharge of 5 per cent where they have not agreed to repay prescribed excess amounts (Schedules 6 and 7). Category designation thus affects minimums, surcharges, and possibly bargaining leverage with insurers on excess repayment agreements.
Self-insurers and former self-insurers: The Order treats employers who were self-insurers during any or all of the relevant prior two-year period as if they had been insured and supplied particulars when calculating the experience adjustment factor S (Schedule 4 cl 2). The Schedule 9 definition expressly excludes self-insurers from the premium reduction provisions (Schedule 9 cl 5(1)), so self-insurers cannot rely on those wage exclusions.
The Order therefore reallocates costs, administrative burdens and opportunities across the insurance value chain. Employers pay the premiums but must supply detailed returns and may face administrative penalties in the form of default upward adjustments. Insurers perform classification and calculations but are constrained by Authority determinations and regulation. The Authority sets guidelines and adjudicates specific disputes, and the Governor sets some numeric parameters. The instrument is temporal and applies only for the 1992-1993 policy year unless superseded, which concentrates compliance effort and administrative change into that window (Schedule 2 cl 1).
Key duties and rights
The Order establishes a set of affirmative duties, administrative powers, devolved rights to dispute and appeal, and procedural entitlements. The principal duties lie with insurers and employers, with the WorkCover Authority and the Governor receiving specified functions.
Duties of insurers
Calculate premiums: Insurers must compute the basic tariff premium using the Schedule 3 formula, apportioning wages across tariff classifications in Table A and applying the corresponding percentage rates (Schedule 3 cl 1). Where a classification has an alternative calculation specified in Column 3 of Table A, insurers must apply that manner of calculation for that component (Schedule 3 cl 2).
Determine applicable classifications and wage attribution: Insurers determine the classifications applicable to an employer and the part of total wages attributable to each classification by reference to returns furnished under the regulations (Schedule 3 cl 2). That determination is the default against which employers can object.
Apply default adjustments: Insurers may, for renewal premium calculations, increase W1 by 15 per cent where the employer does not supply the required return relating to wages paid in the last period of insurance (Schedule 5 cl 2).
Demand premiums and reconcile post-period differences: Insurers may demand the initial premium and must engage in reconciling differences between estimated and actual premiums, with any difference to be met within four months after the end of the period by further payment or refund (Schedule 8).
Duties and obligations of employers
Provide returns and particulars: Employers must furnish returns in accordance with the regulations and supply particulars of claims complying with the regulations if they wish to benefit from experience adjustments and to prevent default increases (Schedules 3 cl 2; Schedule 4 cl 1(a)(ii); Schedule 5 cl 2).
Pay premiums: Employers must pay the premiums demanded by the insurer, including any increases to meet minimum premiums for category B employers (Schedule 7 cl 2), and are liable for any reconciliations after the period (Schedule 8).
Apply for premium reductions: Employers who seek to exclude wages under Schedule 9 must apply in the form and manner specified by WorkCover Authority guidelines and satisfy other Authority requirements before the wages are excluded from premium calculations (Schedule 9 cl 3-4).
Rights and dispute mechanisms
Right to challenge insurer estimates: If an employer does not agree with an insurer’s estimate of wages for premium calculation, the employer may apply to the WorkCover Authority for an estimate, and the Authority’s determination controls (Schedule 2 cl 2).
Right to reduction under Schedule 9: Employers may apply for wage exclusions for certain workers meeting the injury and employment timing criteria. The right to that reduction is conditional on following WorkCover Authority guidelines and satisfying any additional Authority requirements (Schedule 9 cl 3-4).
WorkCover Authority functions
Determinations on disputed estimates and guidelines: The Authority can determine wage estimates when an employer disputes an insurer’s estimate (Schedule 2 cl 2). It may issue guidelines specifying the method of applying for a premium reduction under Schedule 9, including forms and required supporting documents and what counts as continuous employment or unemployment (Schedule 9 cl 4). These guidelines allocate a procedural gatekeeping function to the Authority.
Governor’s functions
Set certain numeric factors: The Governor, on the recommendation of the WorkCover Authority, determines F37, F38 and F39 used in the Schedule 5 experience premium formula and notifies them in the Gazette (Schedule 5 cl 1 definitions). This is a law‑made numeric input, not set by insurers or individual employers.
Other procedural and administrative rules
Monetary expression: All money amounts in calculations are to be expressed in dollars (Schedule 1 cl 1(2)).
Exemptions: The Order does not apply to policies exempted by s 168(4)(a) and (b) of the Act, and by the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987 (Schedule 2 cl 2).
Self-insurer treatment: Employers who were previously self-insurers are treated, for purposes of the S calculation in Schedule 4, as if they had been insured and supplied particulars during the prior two-year period, where relevant (Schedule 4 cl 2).
Penalty-like administrative effects
Implicit penalties: While the Order does not create criminal penalties, it prescribes financial consequences for non-compliance: the 15 per cent increase to W1 on failure to supply returns (Schedule 5 cl 2), a minimum premium uplift (Schedule 7 cl 2), and a 0.05 surcharge X for category B employers who have not agreed to repay the prescribed excess (Schedule 6). These are administrative consequences intended to secure compliance.
The instrument therefore establishes a web of interlocking duties and rights, with insurers responsible for calculation and enforcement, employers required to provide returns and to pay, and the Authority/Governor holding specific dispute-resolution and numeric-setting powers. Each duty maps to a concrete procedural step or numeric effect specified in the relevant schedule.
Penalties and enforcement
The Order does not create separate criminal offences or list express statutory penalties beyond the financial and administrative adjustments embedded in the premium framework. Enforcement is effectively channelled through monetary consequences, calculation defaults, and administrative decision-making powers. Key enforcement mechanisms and compliance backstops are the following.
Monetary defaults and surcharges
15 per cent default uplift for missing returns: Schedule 5 cl 2 authorises insurers to increase W1 by 15 per cent for the purpose of calculating the initial renewal premium where the employer seeks renewal but fails to supply, in accordance with the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987 cl 4(2), a duly completed return relating to wages paid during the last period of insurance. This directly increases employer premium payable in the absence of statutorily required returns.
Minimum premium for category B employers: Schedule 7 cl 2 requires that if the calculated premium for an applicable category B policy would be less than the prescribed minimum, the premium must be increased to the minimum ($30 for domestic workers, $80 for other policies). This prevents insurers from accepting ultra-low premiums and ensures a floor on premium income, effectively transferring a fixed cost to small employers.
Excess surcharge factor: Schedule 6 sets an excess surcharge factor X of 0.05 for category B employers that have not agreed with the insurer that the employer will repay the prescribed excess amount under s 160 of the Act for claims that arise in the period. Application of X increases the premium by a defined proportion, serving as a monetary inducement for employers to agree to excess repayment arrangements.
Reconciliation and post-period settlement
Schedule 8 requires all differences between estimated premiums at the start of a policy and premiums payable after the end of the period to be reconciled by payment or refund within four months after the end of that period. This creates an enforceable timetable for adjustments, and a potential cash-flow liability for employers if estimates were low.
Administrative determinations and default reliance
Insurer determination as default with Authority review: Insurers are the primary fact-finders on wage attribution and classification (Schedule 3 cl 2). Where an employer does not agree, the employer may apply to the WorkCover Authority, whose estimate then controls (Schedule 2 cl 2). This two-step process allows insurers to act immediately but exposes their calculations to Authority correction. The Authority’s determination is the formal remedy for disputes, though the Order does not provide a detailed appeals process within this instrument.
Regulatory cross-reference and funding flows
The Order relies on other statutory vehicles for enforcement of returns and particulars, and it references the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987 for the form and content of returns and for policy exemptions (Schedule 2 cl 2; Schedule 3 cl 2; Schedule 5 cl 2). Enforcement of those regulatory obligations, including penalties for failing to furnish returns, would sit in the broader statutory framework under the Act and its regulations rather than this Order itself.
No criminal sanctions or express fines in the Order
The text does not impose criminal sanctions, specify monetary fines outside of premium adjustments, or create licence-loss powers. It implements monetary adjustments and administrative decision paths. Any formal enforcement powers such as prosecution, disciplinary action or licence cancellation would lie in the Act and regulations rather than in the Order; the Order references the Act and regulations where relevant (Schedule 1 cl 1(1) definitions; Schedule 2 cl 2).
Procedural limits and timing
The Order prescribes timing for reconciliations (Schedule 8) and sets conditionality for reductions (Schedule 9 requires an application under Authority guidelines), creating procedural gatekeeping that can be enforced by insurers or the Authority through acceptance or denial of reductions and by application of default increases where information is withheld.
In practice, enforcement therefore operates through monetary design features that create economic incentives to comply, through insurer operational levers such as classification and default estimates, and through the WorkCover Authority’s role in approving reductions and resolving disputes. The Order’s lack of standalone penal provisions means compliance enforcement depends on the interplay of these administrative and contractual levers, and on the broader enforcement architecture in the Act and Regulations.
How it interacts with other laws
This Order sits as a subordinate instrument to the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (the Act) and the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987, and it references and depends on specific statutory provisions and funds established under the Act. The interface points and dependencies are explicit in the text.
Direct cross-references to the Act
Definitions and reliance: The Order defines several terms by reference to the Act, for example “policy of insurance” and “wages” which is to be read as in s 174(9) of the Act (Schedule 1 cl 1(1)). “Insurer” is defined by reference to being a licensed insurer within the meaning of the Act (Schedule 1 cl 1(1)).
Exemption cross-reference: Schedule 2 cl 2 states that the Order does not apply to policies exempted by section 168(4)(a) and (b) of the Act and by the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987. Thus the Order respects statutory exemptions and defers to the Act/regulations for the boundaries of mandatory coverage.
Prescribed excess: The excess surcharge factor in Schedule 6 is explicitly tied to the prescribed excess amount within the meaning of section 160 of the Act. The contractual agreement (or absence of it) between employer and insurer to repay the prescribed excess under s 160 is the trigger for the surcharge.
Fund contributions: Schedule 1 defines “dust diseases contribution” and “premiums adjustment contribution” as amounts equivalent to the contributions payable by an insurer to the Workers’ Compensation (Dust Diseases) Fund, the Dust Diseases Reserve Fund, and the Premiums Adjustment Fund under s 208 of the Act. This links the premium calculations in this Order to the statutory funding architecture under the Act.
Interaction with the Regulations
Returns and particulars: Multiple provisions rely on returns and particulars furnished “in accordance with the regulations” for calculation of wages, classifications and experience adjustments (Schedule 2 cl 2, Schedule 3 cl 2, Schedule 4 cl 1(a)(ii), Schedule 5 cl 2). The content, frequency and form of these regulatory returns determine practical compliance obligations and the ability of insurers to compute premiums.
Non‑supply consequences: Schedule 5 cl 2 imports a specific regulatory reference to the Worker Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987 cl 4(2) for the required return; failure to comply with that regulation triggers the 15 per cent uplift on W1. Thus the Order enforces regulatory compliance by economic penalty.
Governor and Authority functions under the Act
Governor’s numeric determinations: Schedule 5 allows the Governor, on recommendation of the WorkCover Authority, to determine the values of F37-F39 and notify them in the Gazette. This is an example of an executive/administrative law interaction where statutory power is exercised by the Governor via delegation and publication.
WorkCover Authority’s role: The Authority’s functions in determining wage estimates where employers dispute insurer estimates (Schedule 2 cl 2), issuing guidelines for Schedule 9 applications (Schedule 9 cl 4), and recommending values to the Governor for F37-F39 (Schedule 5 cl 1) relay administrative authority that operates within the statutory remit given under the Act.
Compatibility with other statutory obligations
Self-insurers: The Order treats former self-insurers specially for the purposes of experience adjustment calculations (Schedule 4 cl 2), indicating an interlocking relationship with rules governing self-insurance under the Act and attendant transitional arrangements.
Journey claims: Schedule 5 defines C0, C1 and C2 as “not including the cost of any claims under section 10 of the Act,journey claims.” This exclusion integrates the Act’s substantive definition and treatment of certain claims into the formulaic premium calculations.
Practical implications for statutory compliance and litigation
The Order provides calculation rules, but interpretation of classification and wage apportionment is left to insurers and potentially to the Authority on dispute. Legal issues under the Act and regulations, for example about what constitutes wages under s 174(9) or whether a particular activity falls into a Table A classification, will flow into premium calculation disputes. The Order therefore functions as an operational annex to the Act, translating statutory categories and funding duties into calculation steps and administrative paths.
In short, the Order is not stand-alone; it implements, operationalises and depends on specified provisions of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 and the associated regulations. It defers to those instruments for exemptions, definitions, processes for returns and for certain funding contributions. It also embeds the Governor and the WorkCover Authority as decision-makers whose statutory roles under the Act are invoked to finalise numeric parameters and adjudicate disputes.
Amendment history
The Order as reproduced is a single historical instrument dated to the 1992-1993 premiums period, and it contains internal references to timing and future determinations. The Schedule 2 application clause makes the temporal scope explicit and includes a contingency for non‑replacement.
Temporal application: Schedule 2 cl 1 states that the Order applies to policies to be or have been issued or renewed so as to take effect on or after 4 pm on 30 June 1992 and before 4 pm on 30 June 1993. It therefore governs a single premiums year.
Contingency if no subsequent order: Schedule 2 cl 1 also specifies that if, before 4 pm on 30 June 1993, a subsequent insurance premiums order has not been made in respect of policies taking effect on or after that time, the Order continues to apply to such policies pending the making of such an order. This creates a continuity clause that allows the Order to remain in force until a successor instrument is adopted.
Governor-determined factors to be notified in Gazette: Schedule 5 cl 1 requires that F37-F39, numbers used in the experience premium formulas, are determined by the Governor on the recommendation of the WorkCover Authority and notified in the Gazette. Those Gazette notices would operate as updates or amendments to the numerical inputs underlying the Order’s calculations; the Order contemplates that these numbers may be set or altered by executive act within the premiums year.
No internal amendment mechanism beyond Governor/Authority: The text does not provide a bespoke mechanism for amending the tariff table, the percentage rates in Schedule A, or other substantive rules outside of the Governor's capacity to set certain numeric coefficients. Therefore any amendment to the tariff table or core clauses would require formal amendment of the Order itself, or a later premiums order for subsequent years.
References to existing legislation: The Order incorporates and references the Workers Compensation Act 1987 and the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987. Any amendments to those instruments would therefore affect how the Order operates, for example if the definition of “wages” in s 174(9) were altered. The Order’s continued validity depends on the legal environment created by those parent instruments.
Because the reproduced text is self-contained and specific to the 1992-1993 period, their historical nature should be noted. The Order anticipates routine executive‑level numeric adjustments via Gazette and the Authority's recommendations, but other substantive changes (for example reclassifying industries, changing base rates in Table A, or changing the minimum premiums) would have required formal amendment of the Order or replacement by a new premiums order.
Litigation history
The Order text contains no references to judicial decisions, and the instrument itself does not record litigation. The Order prescribes administrative processes and dispute paths, particularly the availability for an employer to apply to the WorkCover Authority where the employer disagrees with an insurer’s estimate of wages for premium calculation (Schedule 2 cl 2). That procedure designates the Authority as the primary arbiter in classification or wage disputes for premium purposes, and would ordinarily shape the locus of pre-litigation dispute resolution.
From the content of the Order, potential litigation avenues that might arise, and therefore matters that could generate case law, include:
Classification disputes: Where an insurer assigns an employer to a tariff classification in Schedule A and the employer disputes that classification or the apportionment of wages among classifications, the employer’s first recourse is the Authority (Schedule 3 cl 2; Schedule A notes 1-6). If dissatisfied with the Authority’s decision, further legal proceedings would be brought under the Act or general judicial review routes, although the Order does not itself specify appeal routes beyond the Authority determination.
Procedural compliance: The insurer’s application of default adjustments (for example the 15 per cent uplift where required returns are not supplied, Schedule 5 cl 2) could give rise to disputes about whether the employer failed to satisfy regulatory obligations or whether the insurer applied the rule correctly.
Experience adjustments calculations: The formulas for S and E (Schedules 4 and 5) rely on numbers supplied by insurers and potentially on Governor-determined coefficients. Disputes may arise over the inputs to those formulas, the correct inclusion or exclusion of certain claim costs (note that Schedule 5 explicitly excludes journey claims under s 10 of the Act from C0, C1, C2), and the effect on premiums. The authority for F37-F39 is the Governor on Authority recommendation; disputes over whether the Governor properly exercised that power could give rise to administrative law challenges.
Schedule 9 reductions: Where an employer applies for wage exclusion for a previously injured or long-unemployed worker and the Authority either accepts or rejects the application or imposes particular procedural requirements, an employer could challenge Authority decisions if they consider them inconsistent with the Order or the Authority’s own guidelines.
Interactions with the Act and Regulations: Because the Order anchors certain definitions and exemptions to the Act and the Regulations, litigation might concern the interplay between the Act/regulations and the Order, for example the proper application of s 168(4) exemptions referenced in Schedule 2 cl 2.
The Order itself contains no litigation history, no case citations and no procedural appeal template beyond Authority determinations. Any actual litigation record would therefore need to be sourced from external case law databases and decisions under the Workers Compensation Act 1987 where the Order’s provisions were in issue; the text provided does not record or summarise such litigation.
Gotchas
Several features of the Order create practical traps, administrative friction points and potentially unexpected cost consequences for employers and insurers. The following are concrete issues to watch when applying the Order.
Classification and allocation complexity
Apportionment of wages across multiple classifications: Schedule 3 requires the employer’s total wages to be divided into parts Wa…Wn corresponding to classifications in Table A and multiplied by the respective rates. The notes to Schedule A (notes 2-6) contain detailed rules for determining whether an employer carries on a single business or separate and distinct businesses, and how to allocate clerical or travelling staff between businesses (notes 3, 4 and 8). Misclassification or inconsistent apportionment will directly change the basic tariff premium. The Order places the initial factual burden on insurers to determine classifications by returns (Schedule 3 cl 2), but employers must be prepared to challenge and document alternative allocations to the WorkCover Authority.
No separate clerical tariff
No clerical staff tariff: Schedule A note 7 expressly states there is no tariff classification for “Clerical Staffs,office work” or “Commercial Travelling”. Clerical employees’ wages attract the tariff appropriate to the employer’s business. This can result in higher premiums for employers whose workforce is largely clerical if the business classification carries higher rates than a hypothetical clerical tariff.
Default upwards on incomplete returns
15 per cent uplift for missing wage returns on renewal: If an employer fails to supply the return required by regulation, Schedule 5 cl 2 permits insurers to increase W1 by 15 per cent for renewal premium calculation. Employers that miss deadlines or provide inadequate returns face an immediate quantifiable cost increase. The rule uses a specific regulatory cross-reference (Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987 cl 4(2)) as the trigger, so employers must track regulatory compliance beyond the Order itself.
Minimum premium and fixed small-employer cost
Minimum premiums for category B: Schedule 7 sets minimums ($30 or $80). For low-wage or part-time employers this creates a floor, potentially increasing effective marginal costs for employers just above zero. Category B employers must also be aware of the definition of category A, which is tied to a hypothetical 12-month basic tariff premium exceeding $2,000 (Schedule 1 cl 1(1)). The $2,000 threshold is calculated assuming the period of insurance is 12 months, whether or not it actually is, which can surprise employers with non‑standard policy periods.
Excess surcharge hinge on agreement
5 per cent surcharge where no excess repayment agreement: Schedule 6 imposes X = 0.05 where a category B employer has not agreed with the insurer to repay the prescribed excess amount under s 160 of the Act. The instrument therefore economically pressures category B employers to accept excess repayment agreements. Employers may not appreciate that refusal to agree translates into a permanent 5 per cent surcharge for the policy period.
Experience formulas use historical claims and Governor numbers
Exposure to historical claims volatility: Schedule 5’s experience premium formula relies on employer claim-cost totals C0-C2 and wage totals W0-W2. Employers with lumpy or infrequent claims can experience sharp premium swings. Moreover, the formula uses F37-F39 values determined by the Governor on Authority recommendation and notified in the Gazette. These numbers may be changed, and even small shifts in coefficients can materially alter E. The Order thus mixes static tariff rates with adjustable coefficients creating exposure to executive determinations.
Treatment of self-insurers
Special treatment for former self-insurers: Schedule 4 cl 2 treats employers who were self-insurers as if insured and supplying particulars for purposes of S. Schedule 9 cl 5 excludes self-insurers from premium reduction. Employers transitioning from self-insurance need to understand how prior status affects experience adjustments and eligibility for reductions.
Conditional wage exclusions for vulnerable hires
Schedule 9’s conditionality and Authority guidelines: The wage exclusion for employing previously injured or long-term unemployed workers is not automatic. Employers must apply in accordance with WorkCover Authority guidelines and satisfy “any other relevant requirements” of the Authority (Schedule 9 cl 3-4). This introduces an administrative gatekeeper that can delay or deny intended premium relief.
Financial timing and cash-flow risk
Four-month reconciliation window: Schedule 8 requires reconciliation within four months after the end of the period. Employers relying on low initial estimates can face substantial cash calls within a compressed timeframe if wages or claims turn out higher than anticipated.
Per capita tariffs and special rates
Per capita and per-event rates: Schedule A includes some per capita or per event rates (for example jockeys, taxi drivers, householders private workers and certain sporting participants per Schedule A note 9 and entries). Those items alter premium incidence to a per-person basis rather than percentage of wages; employers may overlook these special items if they assume percentage rates apply uniformly.
Regulatory interdependence
Reliance on the Regulations and the Act: Several operative clauses depend on definitions and obligations in the Act and the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987. A practical gotcha is failure to coordinate compliance with those instruments; omission to comply with regulatory returns triggers financial consequences under the Order, even though the Order itself does not elaborate the return content.
These are operational complexities that will produce real costs or administrative demands. The Order prescribes specific numeric consequences for particular failures to supply information or agree to excess repayment, and it assigns discretion to insurers, the Authority and the Governor. Practitioners should map each employer’s activities against Schedule A classifications, ensure timely regulatory returns, preserve documentation to contest insurer allocations, and manage the timing of reconciliations to avoid cash-flow problems.
How to comply
Compliance under this Order requires operational action by employers and insurers, and procedural engagement with the WorkCover Authority and the Governor’s Gazette notices. The following practical checklist, tied to the specific clauses, sets out what each actor must do to align with the Order.
For employers
Classify the business and document operations: Determine which Schedule A classification best “most accurately describes the entire business of the employer” if running a single business, or identify separate and distinct businesses where operations are materially different (Schedule A notes 1-6). Document activities, locations, employee roles, and any incidental operations that may affect classification.
Prepare and file returns in accordance with the regulations: Furnish wage and claim returns required by the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987; the insurer will use these returns to apportion wages and determine the basic tariff premium (Schedule 3 cl 2). Maintain payroll records that reconcile with statutory definitions of wages in s 174(9) of the Act (Schedule 1 cl 1).
Supply particulars of claims: To qualify for calculation of the experience adjustment factor S under Schedule 4, employers must have been insured and supplied particulars complying with the regulations for the prior two years. Ensure claims are recorded and reported in the form the regulations require (Schedule 4 cl 1(a)(ii)).
Apply for WorkCover Authority determinations when necessary: If you disagree with an insurer’s estimate of wages or classification, apply to the WorkCover Authority for an estimate. The Authority’s determination will replace the insurer’s estimate for premium calculation (Schedule 2 cl 2).
Use Schedule 9 wage exclusions where eligible: If you have newly employed a worker who meets the Schedule 9 criteria (previously injured under the Act or long-term unemployed within specified dates), apply to the WorkCover Authority for the premium reduction, following the Authority’s guidelines on form, attachments and continuity of employment/unemployment rules (Schedule 9 cl 3-4).
Consider agreeing to repay excesses for category B: To avoid the 5 per cent excess surcharge X where applicable, negotiate an agreement with your insurer that the employer will repay the prescribed excess amount under s 160 of the Act (Schedule 6). Be aware the surcharge applies only to category B employers who have not agreed.
Monitor renewal and reconcilation dates: Expect reconciliations of estimated versus actual premiums within four months after the period ends, and ensure funds are available for any required top-up payments (Schedule 8).
For insurers
Implement Schedule 3 formulae operationally: Ensure premium calculation systems allocate wages by tariff classifications in Table A, apply Column 3 rates or alternative calculation methods where specified, and incorporate exceptions properly (Schedule 3 cl 1-2; Schedule 3 cl 2 exception note).
Validate and document classifications: Use employer returns as the primary source for classification and wage attribution but keep documentary evidence of the methodology in case of disputes. Where classification questions raise complexity (multiple businesses, incidental operations), apply Schedule A notes and be prepared to have determinations revisited by the WorkCover Authority (Schedule 3 cl 2; Schedule A notes 2-6).
Apply default rules where returns missing: If an employer fails to supply the required return under the regulations for renewal, apply the 15 per cent increase to W1 to calculate the initial premium for the renewed policy, ensuring the specific regulatory reference is satisfied (Schedule 5 cl 2).
Administer Schedule 7 minimums and Schedule 6 surcharges: For category B policies where the insurer has not obtained an agreement on excess repayment, apply X=0.05 where applicable, and ensure minimum premiums are applied to relevant policies (Schedules 6 and 7).
Reconcile premiums and remit contributions: After the policy period, compute actual premiums and implement refunds or additional calls within four months of period end. Calculate and remit any insurer contributions to funds as defined by the Act (Schedule 1 definitions referencing s 208).
For the WorkCover Authority
Produce and publish guidelines for Schedule 9: Draft and publish clear guidelines specifying the method of application for wage exclusions, required documentation, and rules for continuity of employment/unemployment as authorised by Schedule 9 cl 4. Make forms available and set timelines for determinations.
Prepare processes for contested estimates: Establish an administrative procedure to receive and determine employer applications where an employer disputes an insurer’s estimate, consistent with Schedule 2 cl 2. Provide determinations with reasoning that can be recorded and, if needed, the basis for any further review.
For administrators and policy-makers
Set and publish F37-F39 when required: The Governor, on the Authority’s recommendation, must determine and publish these coefficients in the Gazette. Ensure the process for recommending and setting these numbers is transparent and that insurers and employers receive timely notice of any changes (Schedule 5 cl 1).
Coordinate with regulatory obligations: Ensure that returns required by the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987 are synchronised in timing and form with the Order’s calculation cycles so that default uplifts do not inadvertently trigger due to administrative mismatch.
Record-keeping and audit trail
Maintain contemporaneous records: Employers should keep payroll records, timesheets, and other evidence of wages and employee allocation across business activities. Insurers should retain the underlying returns, classification justifications and calculation logs. The Authority should archive determinations and guideline materials.
Practical litigation-prevention steps
Use Authority determinations early: Where a classification or wage apportionment is uncertain, seek early Authority determination rather than risk a later uplift or dispute. Document attempts to resolve classification issues to avoid default penalties.
Plan cashflow for reconciliations: Given the four-month reconciliation window, employers should forecast potential upward adjustments and hold liquidity to meet top-ups without operational disruption.
Following the procedural and documentary steps above, and aligning internal systems to apply the prescribed formulas and default rules, will materially reduce the risk of premium surprises and administrative penalties under the Order. Where discretion or uncertainty exists,classification, Schedule 9 eligibility, interpretation of “wages” under the Act,seek Authority determination and preserve documentary evidence for audit or dispute resolution.
In this Order, a reference to wages, in relation to a period of insurance under a policy issued or to be issued to an employer or in relation to a period of 12 months ascertained by reference to any such period of insurance, is a reference:
(a) except as provided by paragraph (b), to a reasonable estimate of the monetary value of all wages (not including any wages to which Schedule 9 applies) payable to workers by the employer in respect of the period of insurance or the period of 12 months, as the case may be:
(i) as calculated by the insurer by reference to the returns, if any, furnished in accordance with the regulations by the employer to the insurer, or
(ii) where the employer does not agree with the estimate of the insurer and applies to the WorkCover Authority for an estimate of that value—as determined by the Authority, or
(b) where the monetary value of those wages (not including any wages to which Schedule 9 applies) has been ascertained—to the actual value of those wages.
Schedule 2 Application
Schedule 2 Application
Schedule 2 Application
1 Policies to which Order applies
1 Policies to which Order applies
1 Policies to which Order applies
(1) This Order applies to and in respect of policies of insurance which are to be or have been issued or renewed so as to take effect on or after 4 pm on 30 June 1992 and before 4 pm on 30 June 1993.
(2) If, before 4 pm on 30 June 1993, an insurance premiums order has not been made in respect of policies of insurance taking effect on or after that time, this Order applies to and in respect of those policies pending the making of such an order.
2 Policies exempt from Order
2 Policies exempt from Order
2 Policies exempt from Order
This Order does not apply to policies of insurance exempted by section 168 (4) (a) and (b) of the Act and by the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987.
Schedule 3 Basic tariff premium
Schedule 3 Basic tariff premium
Schedule 3 Basic tariff premium
1 General
1 General
1 General
(1) The basic tariff premium (“T”) for an employer is to be calculated in accordance with the following formula:
where:
Wa, Wb…Wn are each a part of the total wages payable to workers by the employer in respect of the period of insurance for which the premium is to be calculated, being a part of the total wages attributable to a classification appearing in Column 1 of Table A applicable to the employer.
Ra, Rb…Rn are each a percentage rate specified in Column 3 of Table A which corresponds with a classification applicable to the employer, being a classification appearing in Column 1 of Table A opposite the percentage rate.
(2) For the purposes of subclause (1), the classifications applicable to an employer and the part of total wages payable by an employer which is attributable to any such classification are to be:
(a) as determined by the insurer by reference to returns, if any, furnished in accordance with the regulations by the employer to the insurer, or
(b) where the employer does not agree with the determination of the insurer and applies to the WorkCover Authority for a determination—as determined by the Authority.
2 Exceptions
2 Exceptions
2 Exceptions
Where a manner of calculation different from that provided by clause 1 is specified in Column 3 of Table A in relation to a classification appearing in Column 1 of that Table, so much of a basic tariff premium as is applicable to that classification is to be calculated in the manner so specified.
Schedule 4 Experience adjustment factor
Schedule 4 Experience adjustment factor
Schedule 4 Experience adjustment factor
1 General
1 General
1 General
The experience adjustment factor (“S”) for an employer is:
(a) where the employer:
(i) has been insured under a policy or policies for the period of 2 years immediately preceding the commencement of the period of insurance for which the premium is to be calculated or has been so insured for a longer period, and
(ii) has, during those 2 years, supplied the insurer with particulars complying with the regulations of claims against the employer,
the factor calculated in accordance with the following formula:
(b) in any other case—0,
where:
T is the basic tariff premium for the employer, calculated with respect to the period of insurance in accordance with Schedule 3 to this Order.
2 Employers who were previously self-insurers
2 Employers who were previously self-insurers
2 Employers who were previously self-insurers
If an employer was not insured for the period of 2 years referred to in clause 1 (a), because the employer was a self-insurer during the whole or any part of that period, the formula in clause 1 (a) applies as if the employer had been insured under a policy (and supplied particulars) during the whole of that period.
Schedule 5 Experience premium
Schedule 5 Experience premium
Schedule 5 Experience premium
1 General
1 General
1 General
(1) The experience premium (“E”) for an employer is to be calculated:
(a)
(i) for the purpose of calculating the initial premium payable before the expiration of the period of insurance for which the premium is to be calculated, and
(ii) after the period of insurance for which the premium is to be calculated has expired (being a period that is less than 12 months),
in accordance with the following formula:
(b) after the period of insurance for which the premium is to be calculated has expired (being a period that is not less than 12 months), in accordance with the following formula:
where:
W is the total of the wages payable to workers by the employer in respect of the period of insurance.
F35 is 3.5.
F36 is 2.6.
F37, F38 and F39 are such numbers as are determined by the Governor on the recommendation of the WorkCover Authority and notified in the Gazette.
C1 and C2 are respectively the totals of the cost of claims for the employer in respect of the last and second last period of 12 consecutive months which occurred before the commencement of the period of insurance (not including the cost of any claims under section 10 of the Act—journey claims).
C0 is the total of the cost of claims for the employer in respect of the period of insurance (not including the cost of any claims under section 10 of the Act—journey claims).
W1 and W2 are respectively the totals of the wages payable to workers by the employer in respect of the last and second last period of 12 consecutive months which occurred before the commencement of the period of insurance.
W0 is the total of the wages payable to workers by the employer in respect of the period of insurance.
(2) If an employer:
(a) makes an application to an insurer for the renewal of a policy, and
(b) does not supply the insurer, in accordance with clause 4 (2) of the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987, with a duly completed return relating to wages paid during the last period of insurance preceding that renewal,
the insurer may, for the purpose of calculating the initial premium payable by the employer for the renewed policy, determine the amount of “W1” in the formula in subclause (1) (a) by increasing by 15 per cent the amount determined as “W” in the calculation of the experience premium for the employer in respect of the last period of insurance preceding that renewal.
2 Definition
2 Definition
2 Definition
In this Schedule, cost of claims has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the Workers Compensation (Insurance Premiums) Regulation 1987.
Schedule 6 Excess surcharge factor
Schedule 6 Excess surcharge factor
Schedule 6 Excess surcharge factor
The excess surcharge factor (“X”) for an employer is:
(a) where the employer is a category B employer and there has been no agreement between the employer and the insurer that the employer will repay the prescribed excess amount within the meaning of section 160 of the Act (or such smaller amount as may be agreed on) for claims which arise out of the period of insurance for which the premium is to be calculated—0.05, or
(b) in any other case—0.
Schedule 7 Minimum premium—category B employers
Schedule 7 Minimum premium—category B employers
Schedule 7 Minimum premium—category B employers
1 Policies in respect of which minimum premium payable
1 Policies in respect of which minimum premium payable
1 Policies in respect of which minimum premium payable
This Schedule applies to a policy issued to a category B employer (or the renewal of such a policy), being a policy under which the employer is not required to repay to the insurer the prescribed excess amount within the meaning of section 160 of the Act (or other agreed amount) for claims under the policy.
2 Minimum premium payable
2 Minimum premium payable
2 Minimum premium payable
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, the minimum premium:
(a) in respect of a policy relating to domestic or similar workers—is $30, or
(b) in respect of any other policy—is $80.
(2) If the premium payable in respect of a policy to which this Schedule applies would (but for this Schedule) be less than the minimum premium in respect of the policy, the amount of the premium is to be increased to that minimum premium.
Schedule 8 Adjustment of premium
Schedule 8 Adjustment of premium
Schedule 8 Adjustment of premium
If the premium payable for a policy under this Order after the end of the period of insurance differs from the premium estimated at the commencement of that period, the difference must be met, within 4 months after the end of that period, by a further payment by the employer or by a refund to the employer, as the case requires.
Schedule 9 Reduction of premium for employers of previously injured workers etc
Schedule 9 Reduction of premium for employers of previously injured workers etc
Schedule 9 Reduction of premium for employers of previously injured workers etc
1 Premium to be reduced
1 Premium to be reduced
1 Premium to be reduced
Any premium calculated in accordance with the other provisions of this Order is to be reduced in accordance with this Schedule.
2 Exclusion of certain wages from calculation of premium
2 Exclusion of certain wages from calculation of premium
2 Exclusion of certain wages from calculation of premium
Any such premium is to be reduced by excluding wages to which this Schedule applies from the calculation of the amount of the premium.
3 Wages to which this Schedule applies
3 Wages to which this Schedule applies
3 Wages to which this Schedule applies
(1) This Schedule applies to wages payable by an employer in respect of the first 12 months of employment of any worker who:
(a) is first employed by the employer (for a minimum period of employment of 12 continuous weeks) on or after 1 July 1992 but only if:
(i) the worker is partially incapacitated for work as a result of a 1987 Act injury (whether received before or after 1 July 1992) and is no longer employed by a previous employer who employed the worker at the time of the injury, or
(ii) the worker has as a result of a 1987 Act injury (whether received before or after 1 July 1992) been totally or partially incapacitated for work for a period of at least 12 weeks, is no longer employed by a previous employer who employed the worker at the time of the injury and has been continuously unemployed since that period of incapacity, or
(b) is first employed by the employer (otherwise than on a casual or temporary basis) after 1 February 1992 and before 1 July 1992, but only if:
(i) the worker is partially incapacitated for work as a result of an injury (whether received before or after 1 February 1992) and is no longer employed by a previous employer who employed the worker at the time of injury, or
(ii) the worker has been continuously unemployed for at least 3 months immediately before being employed by the employer.
(2) However, this Schedule does not apply to any such wages unless:
(a) application for a premium reduction in respect of those wages is made by the relevant employer in accordance with any guidelines under this Schedule, and
(b) any other relevant requirements of the WorkCover Authority are satisfied.
4 Guidelines—application for reduction of premium etc
4 Guidelines—application for reduction of premium etc
4 Guidelines—applicati
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