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ARTICLE · 16 JUNE 2013

Businesses to benefit from Queensland changes to workers' compensation coverage for contractors

Cooper Grace Ward
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The definition of a 'worker' for the purposes of the workers' compensation legislation in Queensland will be narrowed.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Belinda Winter
Belinda Winter
Annie Smeaton
Annie Smeaton
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From 1 July 2013, the definition of a 'worker' for the purposes of the workers' compensation legislation in Queensland will be narrowed. The new definition will mean that fewer independent contractors will be required to be covered under a principal's workers' compensation policy. The changes will particularly affect contractors in the construction and transport industries who are currently required to be covered under the principal's policy.

Broad scope of current definition

The current definition of a 'worker' under the workers' compensation legislation in Queensland is very broad and captures many contractors, such as owner drivers and tradespeople who run their own businesses. Although these contractors are often not considered employees for any other purpose (such as superannuation and leave entitlements), they are still considered to be a 'worker' for the purposes of workers' compensation. The definition of a 'worker' under the current workers' compensation

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