The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act

Most Australian workers are covered by their local state or territory's workers' compensation scheme. However, a large number of Australian workers are insured under the Commonwealth's Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (the SRC Act).

The SRC Act does not just cover Commonwealth public servants (whose workers' compensation entitlements are insured through Comcare). Some of Australia's largest employers are licensed self-insurers under the SRC Act. A full list of licensees can be found here.

If your employer is insured for workers' compensation under the SRC Act, your workers' compensation entitlements, as well as your ability to sue your employer for common law damages, are likely to be significantly different to workers insured for workers' compensation under your local state or territory scheme. The claims reconsideration and appeals processes will also be significantly different. 

If you are concerned about your rights under the SRC Act, it is important that you consult a lawyer experienced in advising and acting for clients whose workers' compensation entitlements are regulated by the SRC Act. 

Strict time limits apply to notifying employers of your injuries, requesting reconsiderations, lodging appeals and commencing common law claims for damages. It is important that you seek legal advice as quickly as possible so that you can protect your interests.