As WorkCover bills roll in showing staggering increases, Nationals Member for Northern
Victoria Gaelle Broad says it’s getting harder to do business in Victoria under Labor.
The Government announced a significant 42% increase to WorkCover premiums effective
from 1 July 2023, and local businesses are starting to receive their renewal notices.
WorkCover insurance is compulsory if you employ one or more workers in Victoria and
expect to pay more than $7,500 in remuneration in a financial year.
“Victorian workers and businesses are paying the price for the Labor Government’s 42 per
cent increase in premiums, trying to save its broken WorkCover scheme,” Ms Broad said.
“Under Labor, Victoria has a record state debt, and 700,000 small businesses across our
state have been left to face increased premiums, taxes and rising costs with little relief.
“One local business owner, who has never made a WorkCover claim and needs to find extra
funds to pay the enormous jump in premiums, described the exorbitant rise as a ‘kick in the
guts’.
They are now due to pay $11,000 in WorkCover this year, on top of their other
insurance bills and costs, and said: ‘The government is destroying our state’.
“It’s simply unfair that businesses who are doing the right thing and providing a safe and
supportive workplace are being forced to pay for Labor’s incompetence and
mismanagement,” Ms Broad said.
“For years Labor ignored the warning signs that WorkCover was heading towards collapse.
The cost of doing business in Victoria under Labor continues to soar.
“Small Businesses owners have done it tough over the last few years with the COVID-19
pandemic and many incurred extra debt. They are still under pressure trying to find staff,
and coping with rising energy bills and increased costs.
“Local businesses are being punished and jobs put at risk because of Labor’s record debt
and culture of waste. Small business owners are paying higher taxes and premiums because
of Labor’s financial mismanagement.
“In regional Victoria, small businesses provide essential employment and training
opportunities.
“Local businesses need a strong and sustainable WorkCover scheme that works for them, to
help them care for their most valuable asset – people,” Ms Broad said.
Photo caption: local businesses are struggling with massive increases to WorkCover costs.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
