glossary Glossary 2 min read

WorkCover WA

WorkCover WA administers WA's workers-compensation scheme under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023. Not the same as WorkSafe WA (safety).

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WorkCover WA is the Western Australian workers-compensation regulator: the authority that administers WA’s workers-comp scheme under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023, which commenced 1 July 2024 and replaced the old 1981 Act (verified 2026-05-24, WorkCover WA; WA legislation).

What it does:

  • Administers the WA workers-compensation and injury-management scheme (employer liability to compensate workers for work injuries, compulsory insurance, injury management).
  • Approves the forms, instruments, and guidelines that employers and insurers use.
  • Issues the Remuneration Guidelines that define what is included or excluded in the wages declarations employers make when taking out or renewing a policy.
  • Oversees dispute resolution and scheme compliance.

For a WA builder:

  • You must hold workers-comp insurance for your workers under the WA scheme; you buy the policy from an approved insurer, and WorkCover WA is the regulator behind it.
  • The 2023 Act is the current law (from 1 July 2024). If you are working from older guidance that references the 1981 Act, update it.
  • Follow WorkCover WA’s Remuneration Guidelines when declaring wages.

Do not confuse it with WorkSafe WA: WorkCover WA regulates workers compensation (injury insurance and management); WorkSafe WA regulates work health and safety (preventing injuries). Two different bodies, two different jobs.

Also known as: WorkCover Western Australia.

See also


Last updated: 2026-05-24. Verified: 2026-05-24. Quarterly review for currency.