1 October 2026
In this edition, we focus on the next stage of reforms to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme, with further legislative changes commencing on 1 October 2026. These changes include important new requirements for treatment and services, including the introduction of a new ‘reasonable and necessary’ test.
SIRA has published updated Guidelines to support medical and health providers, insurers and other stakeholders to understand and implement these changes. We encourage providers to review the Guidelines and consider any changes required to their processes, systems and communications. This Bulletin provides further information on the reforms and links to resources to support stakeholders as these requirements take effect.
Since the previous changes to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme took effect on 1 July, we have been closely monitoring implementation. It is encouraging to see strong engagement with the information SIRA has provided to help understand the changes. Many stakeholders have accessed the resources and guidance on our website and participated in information sessions designed to support compliance with the new requirements.
We will continue to provide information and guidance to support stakeholders as further changes are implemented. We encourage everyone to regularly visit the SIRA website for the latest guidance and updates as further changes are implemented.
SIRA has issued sanctions in response to compliance failures by two large self-insurers. These include a Letter of Censure issued to Aldi Stores – A Limited Partnership (Aldi) and a civil penalty applied to Woolworths Group Limited.
Thank you to our stakeholders for your continued engagement with SIRA. Your feedback and insights help us to strengthen scheme performance and outcomes for the people of New South Wales.
Samantha Taylor
Acting Chief Executive
Workers Compensation reforms take effect from 1 October 2026
Further changes to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme take effect today, 1 October 2026, including changes to commutations and ‘reasonable and necessary’ treatment and support. SIRA has issued new information to help scheme participants and insurers to understand the changes and access further information and guidance.
SIRA issues $50,000 civil penalty to Woolworths Group Limited
A SIRA investigation identified failures to make weekly compensation payments in accordance with sections 36 and 82A of the Workers Compensation Act 1987, resulting in a breach of Woolworths Group Limited's self-insurer licence. The civil penalty highlights SIRA’s expectation that all insurers and self-insurers maintain claims management practices that ensure injured workers receive their correct entitlements accurately and on time.
SIRA issues Letter of Censure to Aldi Stores Limited
SIRA has issued a Letter of Censure to Aldi Stores – A Limited Partnership (Aldi) for contravening a condition of its self-insurer licence by failing to demonstrate claims and injury management performance at an acceptable standard. The action reinforces SIRA’s expectation that self-insurers maintain effective claims management practices that support timely, fair and compliant outcomes for injured workers.
SIRA prevents Central Coast physio from operating in personal injury schemes
SIRA has issued directions preventing a Central Coast physiotherapist and his business, Gorokan Physio Pty Ltd, from operating within the NSW personal injury schemes. The directions form part of SIRA’s ongoing regulatory action to protect scheme integrity and ensure health practitioners operating in the schemes meet required standards and obligations.
SIRA publishes findings from medical examinations (medico-legals) audit
SIRA has published the findings of a targeted audit into the use of medical examinations (medico-legals) in the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. The audit identified opportunities for insurers to strengthen compliance, ensure examinations are justified and reduce unnecessary burden on people with a claim, while highlighting the benefits of joint medical examinations in supporting more efficient and collaborative claim resolution.
SIRA issues direction to I-MED New South Wales Pty Ltd
On 1 September 2026, SIRA issued a direction to I-MED New South Wales Pty Ltd in relation to its provision of services under the workers compensation legislation. The direction forms part of SIRA’s ongoing regulatory oversight to ensure service providers operating within the NSW workers compensation scheme comply with legislative requirements and support the delivery of fair and effective outcomes for injured workers.
Latest quarterly regulatory update now available
SIRA has published a summary of its regulatory activity across the Motor Accidents and Workers Compensation Schemes for the period 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026. The update provides an overview of key regulatory actions, compliance activities and outcomes undertaken to strengthen scheme integrity and support fair outcomes for scheme participants.
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