- Published:
- Thursday 31 July 2025 at 7:00 pm
Injured workers and their families will now have improved support thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Act 2025.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll today outlined the legislation, which has now passed the Victorian Parliament.
The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 4 March 2025 amends the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013, the Accident Compensation Act 1985 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.
The Bill progresses the implementation of the Victorian Government’s response to two reviews, including WorkSafe’s internal review of family supports.
The amendments include increased support for family members and dependants of workers whose death is work-related by introducing new and enhancing existing WorkCover scheme entitlements ensuring injured workers and their families have access to higher-quality services and support.
In providing improved support for injured workers and their families, the Labor Government acknowledges the hardships and challenges people face following a serious workplace accident or death, and the diverse support needed.
The legislation introduces important reforms to better support families following a work-related death. These reforms include an increase in the weekly pension for dependent children, a broader range of new lump sum entitlements to recognise grief and loss and economic loss suffered by dependents, and a broader range of family support services.
The changes also provide for the appointment of members with lived experience to WorkSafe’s advisory committees. These appointments will further strengthen the voice of Victorians who have been affected by workplace harm and introduce a requirement for an independent review of the scheme at least every five years, commencing in 2030.
New obligations on employers will ensure return to work coordinators complete approved training and are provided with reasonable facilities and assistance required to fulfil their role.
The Government acknowledges the extraordinary contributions made to this important legislation by the Workplace Incidents Consultative Committee (WICC), whose members have lived experience of a serious workplace incident.
Quote attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll
“This important legislation will ensure injured workers will be better supported to return to work and ensures families who have been forever impacted by serious workplace injuries and deaths receive the support they need.”
“It’s about making sure that injured workers and other claimants and users of the workers compensation scheme are treated fairly, respectfully and with the dignity they deserve.”
Quote attributable to Brett Struhs, WICC Co-Chair and lived experience member
“It’s important people affected by workplace incidents know that they are not alone and that the right support is available which I’m glad to say is an important part of these reforms.”
Quote attributable to Gary Maas, Member for Narre Warren South and WICC Co-Chair
“I would like to acknowledge the Workplace Incidents Consultative Committee for the extraordinary work they do in providing a lived-experience perspective. Their valuable input has contributed to a workers compensation scheme that will better support injured workers and their families.”