Navigating Workers Compensation Across the Border

For workers in the Albury-Wodonga region, the border between New South Wales and Victoria is not just a geographic line — it determines which workers compensation scheme applies to your claim. Many people live in one state and work in the other, and understanding which system covers you is the first and most important step after a workplace injury.

Generally, the relevant scheme is determined by the state in which you usually work, not where you live. If you are employed by a Victorian employer and work predominantly in Victoria, the WorkSafe Victoria scheme applies.

WorkSafe Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria manages the workers compensation scheme for Victorian workers. Key features include:

• Weekly payments to replace lost income while you are unable to work
• Medical and like expenses covered for treatment of your injury
• Impairment benefits for permanent injuries
• Common law damages for serious injuries caused by the employer's negligence

Strict time limits apply to making a WorkSafe claim. You must notify your employer as soon as practicable after the injury and lodge a claim with WorkSafe within 30 days.

icare (NSW Workers Compensation)

In NSW, the workers compensation scheme is managed by icare (Insurance and Care NSW). The NSW scheme includes:

• Weekly benefits to replace lost wages
• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Permanent impairment lump sum
• Common law damages (for seriously injured workers)

What if You Work in Both States?

Some workers in the region regularly work in both NSW and Victoria. In these cases, the applicable scheme depends on a range of factors, including where the employment contract was entered into, where the employer is based, and where you predominantly perform your work.

Getting this wrong can mean your claim is rejected or you miss out on entitlements. It is important to seek legal advice promptly after a workplace injury.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

1. Seek medical treatment immediately
2. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
3. Obtain a WorkCover/Workers Compensation medical certificate from your doctor
4. Lodge a claim with the relevant insurer
5. Keep records of all medical expenses and time off work
6. Seek legal advice if your claim is disputed or you are unsure of your entitlements