Workers compensation is a state responsibility and the rules vary significantly from state to state. Workers compensation laws apply to all employees whether permanent or casual and failure to register and pay the workers compensation levy is an offence.

In some states, share farmers are deemed to be employees for workers compensation laws and most state workers compensation laws also deem certain independent contractors to be employees for the purpose of workers compensation responsibilities. The rules differ markedly and some of them are complex.

Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman Workers Compensation page for more information.

For more information on state laws visit State industrial laws.