SIRA Bulletin - Issue 76

7 July 2026

As Acting Chief Executive, I’m pleased to share an update on SIRA’s work to strengthen the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme and to support the implementation of the NSW Government’s changes to the scheme, which came into effect from 1 July 2026 with the commencement of the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2025 and the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Act 2026.

SIRA is working closely with stakeholders to support consistent, transparent implementation of these changes, with an emphasis on making sure that people who are injured at work understand what the changes mean for them, and that insurers know what is expected and required to properly apply the changes.

To help all stakeholders stay informed, we have updated our website with a dedicated information hub, bringing together the latest updates, resources and guidance about the changes to the workers compensation scheme in one place. I encourage you to refer to the information hub for the most current information. We will continue to add to this information in the coming weeks and in response to feedback from stakeholders.

Former NSW Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Murray Wright, has commenced the independent review of the Psychiatric Impairment Rating Scale (PIRS). SIRA is supporting the reviewer by providing information and assistance where needed. Dr Wright will also be consulting with stakeholders over the coming months, and I encourage those with an interest in the review to take the opportunity to share their perspectives. When further information is available on ways to provide input to the review, SIRA will share that information through our networks.

The statutory review of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 has also commenced and SIRA encourages stakeholders to contribute to that review which is being led by the Department of Customer Service and due to report to the Minister at the end of 2026.

Samantha Taylor

Acting Chief Executive

Key workers compensation changes have commenced

On 1 July 2026, changes to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme commenced. SIRA has published an information hub to provide clear information, making it easier to find key information and access supporting materials as they become available.

We have been working with insurers so they are clear on what they must do in response to the changes and have put in place mechanisms to monitor how insurers are applying the changes.

Visit the information hub.

Latest Insurer Claims Experience and Customer Feedback Comparison Report now live

SIRA regularly publishes information about the performance of insurers in the NSW Compulsory Third Party Scheme. The latest report for March 2026 is now available online.

Read the report.

Have Your Say on the statutory review of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017

The issues paper for the statutory review of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 is now open for public consultation. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback over the six-week consultation period to help inform the review.

The review will also consider the findings and recommendations of the NSW Parliament's Law and Justice Committee reports on the Compulsory Third Party Scheme and the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme as it develops its recommendations. The NSW Government will respond to the Committee's reports separately in due course.

This is an opportunity for stakeholders to further help shape the future of the motor accidents scheme by sharing their experiences, insights and suggestions.

Visit the Have Your Say website.

Indexed adjustments to workers compensation benefits from 1 July 2026

The latest indexed adjustments to the Workers Compensation Benefits Guide are now available.

Read the workers compensation benefits guide.

Workplace Conduct

The Industrial Relations Commission of NSW has published a number of practice notes and forms in relation to its new jurisdiction regarding workplace conduct:

• Practice Note No 38 - Workplace Conduct Proceedings.
• Form IRC 67 - Application to determine relevant conduct.
• Form IRC 68 - Appearance – Workplace Conduct Jurisdiction.
• Form IRC 69 - Certificate pursuant to Workers Compensation Act 1987, Section 195.
• Form IRC 28 - Application for leave to appeal and appeal (updated).

More details about the Commission's new Workplace Conduct jurisdiction can be found on its website.