1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, claims for medical or related treatment, hospital treatment, ambulance services and workplace rehabilitation services must be reasonable and necessary.
This change is designed to improve consistency in decision making about evidence-based treatment and support across the scheme.
From 1 October 2026, changes to workers compensation commutation provisions will expand eligibility for people with a claim to settle certain workers compensation claims through a voluntary lump sum payment.
A commutation agreement will only take effect once it has been approved by the President of the Personal Injury Commission (PIC). The PIC has new guidelines about how commutation applications can be made.
There are new requirements for people to access independent financial and legal advice when they are considering certain commutation arrangements. The Independent Review Office (IRO) assists eligible injured workers to access independent legal advice and assistance about their workers compensation rights and entitlements. Costs of financial advice are met through insurers.
Further information about ILARS, including available assistance and how to access support, is available on the IRO website.
The changes form part of a broader program of reform implemented through the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2025 and the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Act 2026.
The regulations and guidelines supporting commencement of these changes from 1 October 2026 are now available. Amendments to the Workers Compensation Guidelines were gazetted on 25 September 2026 and commenced on 1 October 2026.
Further information:
- NSW Government Gazette No 397 of 25 September 2026
- PIC Procedural Direction WC8 – Commutations
- Workers Compensation Amendment (Reasonable and Necessary) Regulation 2026
Additional information can be found on the SIRA website:
Updated 1 October 2026