WorkSafe Victoria has announced a new agent panel to manage the state’s workers’ compensation scheme and premium collection, from 1 July 2016.

WorkSafe’s new agent panel comprises:

• Allianz Australia Workers’ Compensation (Victoria) Ltd (Allianz);
• CGU Workers Compensation (Vic) Limited (CGU);
• Employers Mutual Vic Pty Ltd (EML);
• Gallagher Bassett Services Workers Compensation Vic Pty Ltd (GBS); and
• Xchanging Integrated Services Victoria Pty Ltd (Xchanging).

Employers Mutual is a new agent in Victoria. They have previous experience as agents in New South Wales and South Australia.

The panel of agents previously included QBE Workers’ Compensation. QBE will continue as an agent until 30 June 2016 at which point WorkSafe insurance registrations and claims currently managed by QBE will be moved to either Xchanging or Employers Mutual.

WorkSafe and its agents will closely manage the transition to the new agent panel to ensure continuity of service and minimal disruption for employers and workers.

Master Builders members do not need to take any action in relation to this announcement. There is no need to change agents or to see an insurance broker. WorkSafe agents are not insurers; they are engaged under contract by WorkSafe to administer the WorkSafe Scheme.

More than 210,000 employers contribute to Victoria’s workplace injury insurance system, and WorkSafe agents manage the claims of more than 90,000 injured workers every year. Victoria has Australia’s second-lowest workers’ compensation premium rates (1.272 per cent of remuneration).

Members who want further information on this announcement or need advice in relation to workers compensation claims, their agents or their WorkCover premiums can contact the OHS Unit for assistance on (03) 9411 4569.