The Minns Labor Government is continuing to support local organisations by providing savings on workers compensation premiums at a special event in Nowra.
The forum will provide local business, NGOs and industry with practical advice, resources and insights all geared towards helping better manage their premiums.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of the NSW economy, contributing over $535 billion every year.
The Shoalhaven region has almost 8,200 local businesses that employ around 50,000 people. The forum has been organised to listen and provide support to local business owners to access information about premium discounts and incentives for their workers.
The forum includes information on how premiums are calculated, what business owners can do to support their staff's wellbeing and providing advice on return-to-work strategies.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to reforming icare which involves a sustainable scheme, ensuring injured workers are at the centre of care and helping support business who pay the premiums.
The Government recently introduced changes to workers compensation. The package passed the Legislative Assembly in early June, before being delayed by the Liberal Party, the Greens and Mr Latham.
Every day reform is delayed the workers compensation system deteriorates further.
- Just 50 per cent of workers with a psychological injury can return to work within a year, compared to 95 per cent of workers with a physical injury.
- The private sector scheme is going backwards by $6 million per day. It is soon expected to hold only 80 cents in assets for every dollar it will have to pay in claims.
- Absent reform, 340,000 NSW businesses will have to pay a 36 per cent increase in premiums over the next three years even if they have no claims against them.
The Minns Labor government is committed to the expansion of this type of engagement in line with its reforms.
Employers in NSW can register for future events online or immediately access a range of free, easy-to-use tools from icare's Small Business Hub.
For more information about upcoming icare outreach events, visit the website.
Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:
"After recently visiting Shoalhaven with the hardworking Member for the South Coast Liza Butler, I'm pleased to return to Nowra for this important forum. Icare experts will be in attendance to provide important advice, tips, tools and useful information which may help reduce Workers Compensation premiums.
"There will be several experts at the forum including SafeWork NSW officials, icare underwriters and icare specialist support staff.
"Helping local employers support their workers to stay safe, return to work quickly and get home safely at the end of every day not only safeguards workers' health, but saves them money.
"The NSW Government has introduced legislation to reform the Workers Compensation System and our Workplace Health and Safety system to improve the prevention and treatment of psychological injuries which occur at work.
"The government is also funding acomplementary Workplace Mental Health package with $344 million in new funding to support mental health in the workplace, including new SafeWork NSW Inspector positions and wraparound psychological support services for people navigating the claims process."
Member for the South Coast Liza Butler said:
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our region, and it is important that we support them to find ways to not only keep workers safe, but what they can do to reduce their Workers Compensation premiums.
"I wish to sincerely thank the local business community for their collaboration and assistance to put this event together. Their commitment to finding smarter, more efficient ways to operate is what keeps the Shoalhaven economy moving.
"I also thank Minister Cotsis for taking the time to meet directly with South Coast businesses-it means a lot to see real support on the ground to help address both the challenges and the opportunities our region faces."
President Shoalhaven Business Chamber John Lamont said:
"Events like this in Nowra are crucial for equipping local business owners with practical tools, expert advice, and cost-saving strategies that make a real difference.
"With over 8,000 businesses in the Shoalhaven region, we're committed to ensuring they have every opportunity to grow and thrive.
"I'd like to thank Minister Cotsis for her strong advocacy and continued support for South Coast businesses."
icare Medium Employer Engagement Team & Mobile Engagement Team Manager Adam O'Leary said:
"At icare, we want to help local business owners understand the impact their unique claims history and other risk factors have on the premium they pay, and that there are savings and incentives that are often available to them.
"The calculations behind icare's premiums are risk-based, and businesses with strong safety performance are usually rewarded with discounted premiums. Our talk is packed full of top tips for local businesses looking to build safety and to help their injured workers get back to work faster."
