Warning for workers lying about return to work
The Workers’ Compensation Regulator takes fraud in the workers' compensation scheme seriously.
Two workers were recently prosecuted for working while receiving compensation, and lying about the work to their insurer.
Best practice
Be honest with your insurer and let your workers know it's important to tell their insurer if they do any work while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Serious penalties apply for workers who lie to their insurer about this.
Why this is important
The Workers’ Compensation Regulator takes fraud in the workers’ compensation scheme seriously. The Regulator investigates and prosecutes workers, employers and providers who defraud the scheme or provide false and misleading information.
Two workers were recently prosecuted for defrauding a workers’ compensation insurer because they worked during their claim and lied about the work so they could continue receiving compensation:
- On 21 February 2025, a man was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment (suspended for 9 months) for fraud, for returning to work as a track work rider, but telling his insurer he was unable to work and that he ‘barely leaves his house’. He was also ordered to repay restitution to the insurer in the amount of nearly $16,000. Read more.
- On 20 June 2025, a man was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment (suspended for 3 years) for defrauding an insurer by returning to work as a driller but telling the insurer that ‘work won’t touch him’. When the insurer found out about the work and asked the man about it, he told the insurer he was only doing administrative work, which was a lie. He was ordered to repay $17,000 in restitution to the insurer. Read more.
What actions can I take now?
Help protect the workers’ compensation scheme against fraud by:
- being honest with your insurer
- making sure workers know they must tell the insurer if they do any sort of work (paid or unpaid and including self-employment) while receiving workers’ compensation—even if they have already told you
- staying in touch with workers who are unable to return to work
- providing meaningful and safe suitable duties for workers where possible keeping them connected with your business
- telling your insurer if you have information that a worker is working elsewhere while receiving compensation benefits.
Your toolkit
- You can tell workers making a workers’ compensation claim that:
If you wish to continue or start any work, self-employment or volunteering during your workers’ compensation claim, you must discuss this with your claims manager at your insurer. - The Workers’ Compensation Regulator investigates and prosecutes alleged offences against the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (the Act). Find out more about offences under the Act and maximum penalties, and read summaries of workers' compensation prosecutions.
- Read about suitable duties programs and access a suitable duties program template (DOC, 153KB) and ensure that suitable duties programs meet the Guidelines for standard for rehabilitation (second edition) (PDF, 611KB).
- For tips on managing the relationship with an injured worker during their recovery, revisit:
- our past e-bulletin article on why It pays to talk and listen
- Safe Work Australia’s guide to managing the relationship with an injured or ill worker during return to work.
- Access and share information about the free and independent workers’ compensation advisory and support services for Queensland businesses and workers: