ACTPS workers' compensation news and announcements
Workers' compensation claims management update
Workers' compensation claims management services, such as assessing and making decisions about claims and making payments to recipients, are managed by an external provider (called a third-party administrator). These services are currently provided by EML Solutions.
EML Solutions has now been awarded a new 10-year contract to provide these services from early 2027.
Workers' compensation rights, entitlements and obligations for ACTPS employees aren't changing. You can still apply for workers' compensation as usual. Your case managers and arrangements for your payments will stay the same. Over time we will make some improvements.
For more information contact your ACTPS rehabilitation case manager or send an email to ACTPSworkerscompensation@act.gov.au.
Renewing our workers' compensation arrangements
The ACT government's workers' compensation self-insurance licence expires in February 2027 and we are seeking an extension to continue as a self-insurer. Our application for a new licence will be made to the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission in mid-2026.
Since moving to self-insurance in 2019 the services and support we provide to ill and injured employees has expanded. We are seeking a new licence to continue developing innovative and employee-centred services that suit our workforce and achieve better outcomes for our people.
The licence renewal process does not affect workers' compensation entitlements, rights or obligations. These are legally protected by workers' compensations laws regardless of whether we are self-insured. ACTPS employees will still be able to apply for workers' compensation as usual and it is business as usual for those receiving workers' compensation.
More information is in the Renewing ACTPS workers' compensation arrangements fact sheet [PDF 358KB]. Please note that the feedback period has now closed and a listening report is being prepared.
If you are receiving workers' compensation contact your ACTPS rehabilitation case manager if you have questions or concerns.
Changes to workers' compensation laws
The Australian Government is reviewing the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act) that underpins workers' compensation and work rehabilitation in the Comcare scheme, including for the ACTPS. More information, including the review report, is available on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.
Workers' Voice research study
Workers’ Voice is a research study that aims to re-imagine workers’ compensation in Australia. This 3-year study led by Monash University recognises that there is opportunity to improve the management and design of workers’ compensation systems so that they can better support workers to return to work following a workplace injury or disease. They’re inviting people who have made compensation claims and their family and friends to take part in this study with the aim to develop computer models of new systems based on lived experience.
For more information and to participate in a short survey visit the workers’ voice website.
Change to arrangements with EML
Our workers’ compensation claims manager EML has changed its name to EML Solutions following a restructure within the EML Group.
This change requires variations to our contract and self-insurance licence, but otherwise will have no impact on the services we receive from EML, claims application or management processes or case management arrangements for current and future workers’ compensation recipients.
The ACT Government will shortly update its contract with the EML Group to reflect the entity name change and request a variation to our self-insurance licence from the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission to reflect the new name. We anticipate that the commission will consider and decide on this request at their next meeting on 15 September 2023.
As this process progresses, it will be business as usual in working with EML. They will be implementing their new name in their business so we may see the usual things associated with this, such as case manager job titles, email addresses and the website, change to reflect the new name and structure.
This change does not affect any substantive rights or obligations under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. We will continue to work with EML just as we have been and to refer to them as ‘EML’ in our workers’ compensation case management documents and information and communication material.
If you have questions or concerns talk to your Work Safety Group rehabilitation case manager or send an email to wsg@act.gov.au.
Emergency Service Workers and PTSD - Support for our First Responders
A streamlined workers' compensation claims process is in place for first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder to make it easier and faster to make a claim and start getting support. More information is in this Making a workers' compensation claim for post-traumatic stress disorder fact sheet [PDF 178KB].
Preliminary Treatment - Immediate medical assistance
ACTPS employees have access to medical and allied health treatment while waiting for a new claim to be processed. The gives access to immediate medical assistance for certain services recommended by your doctor in the period from when you make a claim until a decision is made. It means you can start your treatment straight away to support your recovery and return to work, without worrying about covering the costs. The costs are covered regardless of whether your claim is accepted or not.
The Getting treatment while making a claim fact sheet [PDF 161KB] has more information about preliminary treatment, including the types of treatment it covers and how to apply.
Have you injured yourself at work? The ACT Government is here to help you.
ACT Public Sector staff are covered for workers’ compensation under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Commonwealth) which is administered by the ACT Government as a self-insurer. The ACT Government has entered into an agreement with Employers Mutual Limited (EML) which will provide claims administration services.
Rehabilitation and claims management systems - Commitment Statement [PDF 126KB].