As was the case in the 2025–2026 year, WorkCover Queensland will hold its target average premium rate steady in 2026–2027, providing certainty for Queensland businesses during a period of ongoing cost pressures.
The target average premium rate will remain at $1.343 per $100 of wages, with no increase for the coming financial year.
Chloé Kopilović, WorkCover Queensland Board Chair, said the decision reflects the Board’s focus on ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of the fund, which enables this year’s support and greater financial certainty for Queensland businesses.
“This is a balanced approach about delivering immediate support for Queensland businesses while ensuring the fund remains financially strong and is fit for the future as challenges and pressures evolve, including rising mental injury claims and costs.”
“Our ongoing investment in fraud detection, prevention and compliance helps safeguard the integrity of the fund, ensuring premiums are equitably set and go towards supporting workers who genuinely need it.”
WorkCover continues to have the lowest target average premium of any state or territory and premiums are calculated individually for each employer based on their wages, industry and claims performance.
Employers can better understand their premium, compare themselves to their industry, and find ways to reduce costs by logging into WorkCover Connect.
The 2026–2027 WorkCover industry classifications have been published in the Queensland Government Gazette.
How employers can influence their individual premium:
- Support a worker’s return to work. The faster a worker gets back to work safely doing suitable duties, the lower the claims costs and impact on premium.
- Employers can report fraud in the system via this online form.
- Take advantage of WorkCover’s early payment discount.
- Improve your safety culture and reduce workplace injuries. The lower your claims costs, the lower your premium. Employers can register their interest in the Injury Prevention and Management (IPaM) program, delivered with the Office of Industrial Relations. The IPaM program provides employers with free, tailored safety and injury management advice.
- Grow your team by hiring apprentices and benefit from WorkCover’s apprentice discount, which removes apprentice wages from your wages declaration resulting in a lower premium.
Employers can renew their Accident Insurance policy by declaring their wages and paying their premium between 1 July and 30 September.
