Navigating workers compensation claims and premiums can be difficult for small business owners. That is why, the Minns Labor Government is continuing to support local business and organisations with an informative forum, now taking place in the Sutherland shire.
The forum, run by icare, will provide over 100 local businesses with practical advice, resources and insights all geared towards helping better manage their premiums. This pivotal forum will also provide vital information on injury prevention, early intervention, and recovery support for mental health at work.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of the NSW economy, contributing over $535 billion every year.
The Sutherland shire region has over 9,500 businesses that employ nearly 55,000 people. The gross incurred workers compensation cost per year in the region is almost $41 million.
The forum will include information on how premiums are calculated, what business owners can do to support their staff's wellbeing, and will provide advice on return-to-work strategies.
The multi-session day will feature speakers from the NSW Government, icare, and SafeWork NSW, and will cover topics such as Savings & Incentives for Small Business, Mentally Healthy Workplaces & Understanding your psychosocial obligations, and Understanding your Experience-Rated Employer Premium to minimise costs.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting businesses by reforming the state's workers compensation system to ensure a sustainable scheme that also works for the state's injured workers.
Every day reform is delayed the workers compensation system deteriorates further.
The Minns Labor government is committed to increasing engagement with small business in line with its reforms. The icare Mobile Engagement Team runs regular events in regional areas across NSW, as well as a range of webinars for businesses.
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.
The icare online Mental Health Hub, provides employers with free tools, resources, and guidance to support their workforce, manage claims and help tackle these costs
For more information about upcoming icare outreach events, visit the website.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
"This important forum in the Sutherland shire is about giving businesses of all sizes the practical support they need. ICare experts will be on hand with advice, tools, and one-on-one guidance. This one-on-one engagement is critical.
"Helping local employers keep their workers safe, support recovery, and ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of each day isn't just good for health - it saves businesses money.
"The NSW Government has introduced reforms to strengthen the Workers Compensation, and Workplace Health and Safety, to improve the prevention and treatment of psychological injuries that occur at work. This includes increasing this Government's outreach to small businesses so they can better navigate a complex system. Part of the package is still blocked in the Parliament.
"The NSW Government's 2025-26 Budget announcement strengthened the state's work health and safety regulator with a major $127.7 million investment over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards and compliance and enforcement of safe work practices."
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities. They drive innovation, create local jobs, and build vibrancy in Sutherland and across NSW.
"I see firsthand the strength of local business owners, and I want to ensure the government supports them to navigate government systems and help them grow.
"I sincerely thank the Sutherland local business community for its collaboration and commitment to finding smarter ways to operate and keeping the local economy moving."
Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:
"After working closely with my small businesses in the Heathcote Electorate and having Small Business Forums with the Premier, the Hon. Chris Minns MP and the Hon. Steve Kamper MP, former Small Business Minister, I am happy to see ICare attend the Sutherland Shire to speak with Small Businesses.
"Small Businesses are the backbone to our communities, often run by local families and employ locals too. They need support and advice and I'm proud that the Minns Labor government is providing this ongoing help."
icare Manager Mobile Engagement Team 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."
