The Queensland Government has tabled legislation before the State Parliament that will provide a clear cut definition of ‘worker’ for the purposes of workers’ compensation.

The Bill, if implemented, will align the definition of a worker with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The Bill will aim to reduce red tape and make it easier for employers to correctly identify workers when declaring wages for their premium.

WorkCover Queensland Chair Glenn Ferguson said “moving to the same definition used by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will make it easier for employers and workers to know who is covered for the purposes of workers’ compensation.

“WorkCover’s customers have been confused about coverage and this has been the source of many complaints. Aligning the definition should make declaring workers and their wages for premium easier for employers. Workers can be confident about whether they are covered or not, and if not, ensure they have their own personal injury insurance,” he said.

The main impact will be in the construction and transport industries where there are different contracting arrangements. The coverage for the majority of workers, who are mainly PAYG workers, will be the same.