Small Business Workers Compensation

Managing workers' compensation insurance is an essential part of running a business, but it doesn't need to be complicated. Gallagher helps employers navigate workers' compensation insurance with clarity and confidence, from arranging cover to managing claims and supporting safer workplaces.

What is workers' compensation insurance?

Workers' compensation insurance is compulsory for most employers in Australia. It provides financial and practical support if an employee suffers a work‑related injury or illness, helping protect both workers and employers. Coverage, insurer arrangements and compliance obligations vary by state and territory.

What workers' compensation insurance covers

Workers' compensation insurance helps protect your people and your business if an employee is injured or becomes ill because of work. While arrangements differ by state and territory, workers' compensation insurance typically provides support for:

Income replacement while an employee is unable to work
Medical, rehabilitation and recovery costs
Support to help injured employees safely return to work

Workers' compensation insurance schemes operate differently across Australia, with varying rules, providers and premium structures depending on where your employees are based. Gallagher can help you understand what applies to your business.

Workers' compensation insurance options in ACT, Tasmania, WA and NT

Businesses operating in the ACT (including Canberra), Tasmania, WA and the NT have more flexibility in how workers' compensation insurance is arranged compared to centrally managed schemes.

ACT/Canberra: Employers can arrange workers' compensation insurance through approved insurers, with greater choice and flexibility.
Tasmania: Eligible employers can access broker‑placed workers' compensation insurance solutions.
WA: Workers' compensation insurance can be arranged through approved insurers with broker support.
NT: Employers have flexibility to explore suitable workers' compensation insurance options.

In these states and territories, Gallagher brokers can help employers explore suitable workers' compensation insurance solutions, negotiate competitive terms and manage ongoing cover.

Workers' compensation insurance made simpler for eligible employers

Gallagher has partnered with CGU Insurance to offer a streamlined workers' compensation insurance solution for eligible employers in Tasmania, the ACT, WA and the NT.

This approach combines competitive cover with simpler administration and specialist support, helping employers focus on running their operations with confidence.

Key benefits include:

A solution designed for growing businesses and employers
Greater year‑on‑year pricing stability
A streamlined claims process with dedicated support
Access to practical training and workplace risk resources

Support beyond insurance

Workers' compensation involves more than arranging a policy. The real cost of a workplace injury can include lost productivity, ongoing claims management and rising premiums over time. Gallagher supports employers with practical, end to end workers' compensation and workplace support.

Our services include:

Claims and injury management
Workplace risk analysis and early intervention
Premium forecasting and cost control insights
Return to work support for injured employees

This integrated approach helps employers improve outcomes for their people while managing long‑term workers' compensation costs.

Why choose Gallagher for workers' compensation insurance?

Gallagher brings together local expertise and global capability to support Australian employers across industries and jurisdictions. Our teams work closely with business owners and decision makers to simplify complex workers' compensation insurance decisions and support better outcomes for people and operations.

Dedicated workers' compensation and workplace risk specialists
Experience across ACT, Tasmania, WA and the NT
A practical, employer focused advisory approach
Part of a global insurance and risk advisory organisation

FAQs about workers' compensation insurance

Is workers' compensation insurance compulsory in the ACT, Tasmania, WA and the NT?

Yes. Employers are generally required by law to hold workers' compensation insurance in all Australian states and territories. Requirements vary depending on where your employees are based, including the ACT (Canberra), Tasmania, WA and the NT.

Can employers choose their workers' compensation insurer?

In certain states and territories, including the ACT (Canberra), Tasmania, WA and the NT, employers have greater flexibility in how workers' compensation insurance is arranged. This may include choosing from approved insurers or working with a broker to explore suitable options.

Who needs workers' compensation insurance?

Most employers who engage workers, including full‑time, part‑time and casual employees, are required to hold workers' compensation insurance. Obligations can differ by state or territory, so it's important to understand what applies to your business.

Does workers' compensation insurance cover mental injuries?

Workers' compensation insurance may cover psychological or mental injuries that arise out of or in the course of employment. Coverage and eligibility criteria vary by state and territory and are subject to scheme rules.

How is workers' compensation insurance managed across different states?

Workers' compensation schemes operate separately in each state and territory. If your employees work across multiple locations, such as the ACT, Tasmania, WA or the NT, you may need separate arrangements. A broker can help coordinate coverage across jurisdictions.

How can Gallagher help with workers' compensation insurance?

Gallagher helps employers understand their workers' compensation obligations, explore suitable insurance options where available and support better outcomes through claims advocacy, workplace risk management and return‑to‑work support.

Workers' Compensation Insurance for Small Business

Employers in Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Tasmania, Western Australia (WA), and the Northern Territory (NT) can access support for workers' compensation insurance, including guidance on local schemes and options.

Get in contact with us today