Licensing, performance and compliance

Licensing and performance of Queensland insurers

Of the 27 Queensland insurers, there are 26 licensed self-insured employers.

Licences can be renewed for up to four years for an insurer demonstrating high-performance. Currently, 58 per cent of self-insurers hold a four-year licence.

As at 31 December 2025, of the 13 licences due for renewal in 2025-26, one licence has been renewed for four years and two licences for three years.

Note: Special licence conditions apply to licence renewals of three, two and one-year durations.

Compliance and enforcement activities

Since 1 July 2025, 24 audits have been completed across scheme insurers (including WorkCover Queensland). These comprised of 10 compliance audits and 14 special audits. 11 special audits of individual claims are currently underway.

As a result of these audits, a range of non-compliance and non-conformance were identified, with the top three areas for improvement being:

• identifying the risk of a secondary psychological injury followed by prompt and proactive early intervention
• demonstrating genuine consultation, review and modification of rehabilitation and return to work plans
• data inconsistencies from the requirements of the data specification; notably reporting of secondary injury details.

A range of enforcement measures were implemented including 11 improvement action plans, nine compliance notices and six warning letters.

2026 secondary psychological injury targeted audit campaign

During FY2026-27, we will undertake a targeted audit across all Queensland insurers on the identification and management of secondary psychological injuries in response to the increasing rate of these injuries within the scheme.

Under section 232AC (2) of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, insurers must take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of a worker with a physical injury developing a secondary psychological injury. This includes providing reasonable services such as medical treatment, counselling, and support services.

The targeted audit will:

• assess how well Queensland workers’ compensation insurers are meeting their obligations
• ensure insurers are identifying risk of a secondary psychological injury and providing early support
• identify areas of better practice and opportunities for improvement.

Further information on the targeted audit will be shared with insurers soon.

Revised insurer audit tool

A review of the insurer audit tool is underway to ensure it remains current and fit-for purpose, with the aim to strengthen regulatory oversight, support better claims management outcomes, and improve consistency across the scheme. Stakeholder consultation is planned to ensure a strong, effective audit tool and process.

OIR regulatory performance self-assessment report

Each year the Office of Industrial Relations assess our regulatory performance to help us identify opportunities to strengthen our regulatory effectiveness and enhance delivery of our services.

View the 2024-2025 report.