Understanding WorkCover Declarations 

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As an Australian employer, the chances are that you have WorkCover insurance in place to help provide financial protection and support your employees in the instance they suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. While each state and territory of Australia have slightly different arrangements and requirements, in QLD, one of your key responsibilities as an employer is to declare the wages for your business to WorkCover Queensland. 

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We step you through how you can ensure that you're meeting your wage declaration obligations. 

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What is WorkCover? 

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WorkCover Queensland is a government-owned (yet self-funded) organisation that provides worker's compensation cover for Queensland workers and employers. However, WorkCover offers more than insurance policies — helping support businesses and employees through managing claims, providing customer service, establishing injury prevention and helping provide access to rehabilitation services. 

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Importantly, WorkCover operates as a no-fault system, meaning that employees are generally entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the incident.

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Key features of the WorkCover system 

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Typically, the key features of the WorkCover system include: 

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• Compensation for lost wages: If an employee cannot work due to a work-related injury or illness, they may be entitled to receive a portion of their usual income.

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• Medical treatment and rehabilitation: WorkCover typically covers the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation services required to aid the injured or ill employee's recovery and return to work.

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• Permanent impairment benefits: If an injury results in a permanent disability, the injured worker may be entitled to receive compensation for the degree of permanent impairment.

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• Return-to-work programs: Employers and insurers work together to develop return-to-work plans that facilitate the injured employee's safe return to suitable work duties.

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• Death benefits: In the unfortunate event of a work-related fatality, dependents of the deceased worker may be eligible for death benefits.

• Occupational health and safety regulation: WorkCover often promotes and enforces workplace health and safety regulations to prevent accidents and injuries.

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It's essential to note that the specifics of the WorkCover system can vary slightly between different states and territories in Australia. Each jurisdiction may have its own workers' compensation authority responsible for administering the scheme.

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Who needs to submit WorkCover declarations?  

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Unless you're a self-insured employer in Queensland, you must submit an Annual Declaration through WorkCover Queensland. Declaring your wages plays a critical role in renewing your accident insurance policy. 

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For the purpose of your WorkCover declaration, 'wages' refers to the total amount paid to a particular employee or worker, such as salary, wages or other monetary earnings. 

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When do I need to lodge my declaration? 

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Your wage declarations are due on 31 August. 

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To renew your WorkCover Accident Insurance policy, you must submit your annual wages declaration and pay your premium between 1 July and 30 September each year. 

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How do I lodge my WorkCover declaration? 

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Firstly, you'll need to know who to cover to declare your wages accurately. 

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You'll need to know the wage amount you estimate to pay this financial year and your actual wages paid from the previous financial year. 

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Step 1 

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Once you know the correct remuneration and wages amount to report, log into your WorkCover Portal. 

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Step 2 

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Click on Insurance, and then Wages Declaration

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Step 3 

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This is where you'll need to enter a range of details:

• Please provide the total amount of wages subject to assessment, including superannuation, for the year.
• Have you deducted all payments made to directors, partners, or trustees? Select 'Yes'
• Do you hire any individual sole trader contractors or subcontractors in Queensland? Please select the appropriate option for your business.
• Total amount paid to apprentices based in Queensland: [Please type the total amount or 0 if not applicable.]
• How many Queensland workers did you employ during the year? Please select the range that applies to your business.
• How many staff did you hire as unpaid interns in Queensland? Please select the range that applies to your business.
• Please provide the total of all estimated assessable wages, including superannuation.
• Total estimated amount paid to apprentices: [Please type the calculated total of estimated wages.]

Step 4 

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In this step, it's essential to check the total actual wages and estimated wages amounts are correct.

Step 5 

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Click [Declare wages now]

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Step 6 

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Click [Submit declaration]

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Step 7 

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If you wish to pay your premium now, click on [pay premium]; otherwise, you can enter into a payment plan. 

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From here, you can download your Wages Declaration, Premium Notice or Certificate of Currency if desired. 

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Need help with running the numbers in your business? 

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If your WorkCover Declaration submission raises questions about your business, get in touch with the team at Bonerath & Co.

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