Introduction
In 2012 and 2015, amendments were introduced to NSW workers
compensation legislation. Workers compensation entitlements were
reduced for all workers in NSW except emergency service workers
including police officers, paramedics, firefighters and lifeguards.
As these workers are exempt from these amendments, they are
generally referred to as "exempt workers." This article
explains the entitlements available to exempt workers.
1. Wage Loss
Exempt workers are entitled to claim weekly payments where they
are totally or partially unfit to work as a result of a
work-related injury.
During the first 26 weeks post injury, the rate at which a
worker is paid is 80% of their Average Weekly Earnings
("AWE") which is calculated as an average of the earnings
(including overtime and shift allowances) received in the year
prior to the injury. However, if the worker is employed under an
award, industrial or enterprise agreement, the worker will be
entitled to 100%
