Changes to workers compensation in NSW
The workers compensation laws in NSW have changed from 1 July 2026.
The reforms affect all participants in the workers compensation scheme, including workers, employers, insurers and service providers.
What the changes mean will depend on the type of injury and when a claim was made or notified, as different rules may apply.
Recently updated information is available below.
Find answers to frequently asked questions on our Workers Compensation Reform FAQs page.
Information for workers
- Application for Approval of a Pre-injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE) Agreement
- Assessment of permanent impairment
- A quick guide to workers compensation: information for workers
- Calculating pre-injury average weekly earnings
- Claim for relevant injury declined - information for workers
- Cost of services for companion animals
- Employer not entitled to attend medical examination or treatment
- For families who have lost a relative
- Injured at work : a recovery guide for workers
- Injury claim form
- Permanent impairment assessment changes: information for workers
- Pre-injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE) Details Form
- Pre-injury average weekly earnings (PIAWE) reference guide
- Psychological injuries - a guide for workers and employers
- The meaning of ‘witnessing’ for workers compensation in NSW
- What you can claim - Weekly payments
- Workers compensation benefits guide
Information for employers
- Market Practice and Premium Guidelines 2026
- Key changes for employers - Workers compensation legislative reform 2026
- Your legal obligations: Providing premium related information to your workers compensation insurer
- Psychological injuries - a guide for workers and employers
- Assessment of permanent impairment
- A Workers Compensation Guide for Employers
- Claim for relevant injury declined - information for workers
- Employer excess guidance
- Employer not entitled to attend medical examination or treatment
- Pre-injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE) Details Form
- Pre-injury average weekly earnings (PIAWE) reference guide
- Return to work coordination learning portal
- Small Business Assist
- The meaning of ‘witnessing’ for workers compensation in NSW
- Workers compensation benefits guide
- Workers compensation guidelines July 2026
- Workers compensation premium rate freeze
Information for insurers
- Claim for relevant injury declined - information for workers
- Cost of services for companion animals
- Engaging employers to obtain admissible evidence
- Injury claim form
- Pre-injury average weekly earnings (PIAWE) reference guide
- Pre-reform impairment assessment and interim period assessment - Insurer information
- Psychological injuries - guidance for insurers
- Workers compensation benefits guide
- Workers compensation decision notice summary - the approved form
- Workers compensation guidelines July 2026
Legislation
Key reforms to the workers compensation scheme commence 1 July 2026, following amendments introduced through the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2025 and the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Act 2026.
The following regulations and guidelines supporting commencement of these reforms are also available:
Updated 2 July 2026