Kaya reader,

As we continue our work together across the scheme, I wanted to share a brief leadership update.

Our CEO, Chris White, is currently enjoying a well‑deserved period of long service leave. During this time, I am pleased to be stepping into the role of Acting CEO.

While Chris is away, you can continue to expect the same clear direction, consistent regulation and strong focus on scheme outcomes that you know and rely on. Our commitment to being an engaged, visible and evidence‑based regulator remains unchanged.

At the same time, we see real opportunity to strengthen how we connect with you. Over the coming months, we will be increasing opportunities to engage, collaborate and listen. This creates more meaningful touchpoints across the scheme to support shared understanding, capability and continuous improvement.

I encourage you to stay connected, take part in upcoming engagement opportunities, and share your insights as we continue working together to deliver strong, sustainable outcomes for workers and employers across Western Australia. Read on to see what’s happening and how you can be involved.

Rebecca Harris
Acting CEO

Focus

In December 2025, the ATO published a Class Ruling to set out the tax consequences with respect to amounts received under a registered settlement agreement.

The Class Ruling states income compensation commuted to a lump sum in a settlement agreement is assessable as ‘ordinary income’ under tax law and must be included in a worker’s income tax return in the year it was received.

Upon publication of the Class Ruling, we became aware of some implementation issues raised by stakeholders, particularly with respect to tax withholding obligations and the tax treatment of sums of income compensation representing multiple years of income.

Over the last few months we have been in regular contact with the ATO to facilitate a resolution. We are working closely with the insurance industry, continue to be in regular contact with the ATO while these issues are being considered, and have stressed the urgency of resolving these issues to provide certainty to affected stakeholders. 

We will provide an update to stakeholders once the ATO provides more information about its position and any potential resolution of the issues identified.

Connect

Join us for breakfast on 20 May 2026 as we release the new Approved Permanent Impairment Assessor Standards of Practice and the revised Guidelines for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.

You will hear essential information about these new and updated resources from Rebecca Harris, A/CEO and Kevin Gillingham, Manager Policy and Legislative Services, as well as expert insights from Dr Steven Overmeire, Occupational Physician.  

Attendance at this event will increase your understanding of the new Standards of Practice and revised Guidelines. As places are limited, please register as soon as possible via the link below.

We look forward to seeing you there!

What's New?

In February, we were pleased to launch the Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF) National Standards right here in Perth!

Since the launch event, PIEF have received enquiries from attendees eager to access and adopt the framework - including service providers who are not directly involved in claims management. 

As part of our commitment to capability development, we want all stakeholders to have the opportunity to access the National Standards and upskill, so we're proud to share the opportunity to complete a new Affiliate Program.

Here's what you can expect:

• A program designed for brokers, consultants, employers and rehabilitation providers.
• It will use the same learning materials as the National Standards and participants will complete learning outcomes, quizzes, and a final assessment.
• Upon successful completion, WA scheme participants will receive a WorkCover WA Affiliate digital badge.

WorkCover WA has arranged for WA scheme participants to access the program at a reduced cost.

Contact PIEF to register your interest!

WorkCover WA has responded to industry concerns about insurance coverage of fishing crew workers via recent regulatory amendments, which repeal Regulation 17 of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Regulations 2024.

From 4.00pm on 30 June 2026 any person engaged as part of a fishing crew that is defined as a ‘worker’ in the Act will be covered in the WA workers compensation scheme.

Any employer engaging fishing crew workers will therefore be required to insure them as part of their workers compensation insurance policy with a licensed insurer, from 4.00pm on 30 June 2026.

The regulatory amendment commences at 4.00pm on 30 June 2026 to align with workers compensation insurance policy renewals, minimising disruption for employers, brokers and insurers. 

To assist fishing vessel owners and operators better understand their obligations WorkCover WA has published the Coverage of Fishing Crew Fact Sheet.

This issue was considered and addressed in collaboration with insurer and broker representatives. WorkCover WA thanks NIBA WA and licensed insurers for their involvement and participation. 

Workplace Rehabilitation Providers perform a vital role in the workers compensation scheme, assisting employers and injured workers to support a successful return to work.

We recently completed a Capability Performance Review Program for the 58 providers operating in the WA scheme. With a focus on collaboration and accountability, the program aims to improve outcomes for injured workers throughout WA. 

We were pleased to note providers approached the program with maturity and professionalism, offering honest self-reflection and constructive feedback. The review identified no systemic issues, and validation activity confirmed a high level of data accuracy, reinforcing confidence in return to work outcomes. 

If you are an employer, your workers compensation obligations don't stop when you have workers compensation insurance in place. 

While it is a vital first step, you must also ensure you are aware of your claims and injury management obligations in the event a claim is made. 

Our recent prosecutions highlight the seriousness of these matters, with significant fines ordered for a range of claims management offences including

• failing to make the first payment of income compensation when due
• reducing, suspending or discontinuing income compensation without authority
• failing to make subsequent income compensation payments when due.

Visit our website to learn more about employer obligations in relation to receiving and managing claims. 

New data insights are now available that offer a clearer view of how the workers compensation scheme is performing.

The CAS Status Report and Long Duration Claims Report provide valuable insight into how disputes progress through conciliation and arbitration, alongside the cost and return to work impacts of long running claims. Together, these reports highlight emerging pressures, trends in dispute resolution, and areas where the scheme is experiencing sustained demand.

Browse these reports and other publications on our website to see what the data is revealing about scheme performance and emerging risks.

Regional engagement

Our next stop? We're heading South West - with plans to visit Albany later this month.