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ARTICLE · 25 FEBRUARY 2026

Workers' compensation for Victorian self-employed individuals – what are my entitlements?

Carroll & O'Dea
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What is workers' compensation insurance? Who classifies as a worker? What if I am an employee of my own company?

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Zara Ali
Zara Ali
Charles Harrison
Charles Harrison
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With self-employed individuals making up over 63% of all businesses in Australia (and small businesses constituting over 97% of total Australian businesses as at June 2025)1, understanding how workers' compensation entitlements apply to self-employed persons is more pertinent than ever.

What are your options if you are no longer able work in your business due to an illness or injury?

What is workers' compensation insurance?

Workers' compensation is a type of insurance which provides payments to employees if they are unable to work due to work-related illness or injury. These payments can include but are not limited to loss of wages for the period the employee is unable to work and medical/treatment expenses relating to the work-related illness or injury.

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