Workers compensation WA 2026 brought three notable changes for injured workers from 1 July 2026: the General Maximum Amount rose from $273,220 to $284,448, a second edition of the permanent impairment guidelines took effect, and registered independent agents ceased acting in WorkCover WA disputes.
Many people hurt at work only discover a change to their entitlements when a payment looks different or an assessment is booked. If you are speaking with a workers compensation lawyers Perth or managing a work injury compensation Perth claim yourself, knowing what changed helps you check that your payments are correct. In this article, we cover how the 2023 Act works, payment indexation, impairment assessments, dispute representation and the steps worth taking now.
Key Takeaways
- The General Maximum Amount increased to $284,448 from 1 July 2026.
- Income compensation steps down to 85% after 26 weeks, subject to a minimum.
- A second edition of the impairment guidelines applies to assessments from 1 July 2026.
- Registered independent agents can no longer act in WorkCover WA disputes.
What the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 Provides
The Act commenced on 1 July 2024 and replaced the 1981 Act. It sets the rules for claims, income compensation, medical expenses, injury management and disputes in Western Australia, and WorkCover WA regulates it. Several rules matter most when you are checking your own claim:
| Rule | What it means for you |
| Earnings basis | Income compensation is based on your average earnings over the 12 months before your injury, or the period you were employed if shorter. |
| First 26 weeks | Payments are generally based on your weekly rate of income before the injury. |
| After 26 weeks | Payments step down to 85% of your weekly rate before the injury, subject to a minimum safety net. The step-down point was extended from 13 weeks. |
| Medical and health expenses | The general limit is 60% of the General Maximum Amount, up from 30% under the old Act. |
Workers Compensation Payments Indexation WA for 2026/27
WorkCover WA publishes an Indexation of Workers Compensation Payments Schedule each year, and the new amounts apply from 1 July. For 2026/27 the General Maximum Amount increased from $273,220 to $284,448. WorkCover WA describes it as the maximum amount an injured worker can receive in weekly payments for lost earnings over the life of a claim.
Other entitlements are adjusted at the same time, and the schedule lists each exact figure. A minor change to how CPI is calculated for annual indexation starts on 1 July 2027, reflecting changes to how the Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes its data.
Other Changes Under Workers Compensation WA 2026
Permanent impairment assessments
WorkCover WA’s second edition of the Guidelines for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment was published on 30 April 2026 and took effect on 1 July 2026. Most changes align with Safe Work Australia’s 2024 template guides, and assessors use revised forms. A September 2026 bulletin allows both versions of the APIA1 report form for assessments with an examination date before 1 July 2026.
Representation in disputes
The two-year transition period under the Act ended on 30 June 2026. From 1 July 2026, registered independent agents can no longer act in WorkCover WA’s Conciliation and Arbitration Services. Legal practitioners and other authorised agents can still represent a party at conciliation conferences and arbitration hearings.
Steps Injured Workers Can Take Now
These steps can help you keep your payments, paperwork and assessments in order, whichever stage your claim has now reached.
Step 1: Income Calculation: Check how your income compensation was calculated, including your earnings before the injury and the 26-week step-down.
Step 2: Record Keeping: Keep payslips, medical certificates and every notice from your insurer or employer.
Step 3: Notice Dates: Write down the dates on any notice that reduces or stops payments, because time limits apply to disputing them.
Step 4: Assessment Guidelines: Ask which edition of the impairment guidelines applies if an assessment is booked.
Step 5: Advice First: Get advice before you sign a settlement or accept a decision you do not understand.
When to Speak With a Workers Compensation Lawyer Perth
Impairment assessments, disputes about weekly payments and settlement offers can all affect what you receive over the long term. Workers compensation solicitors can check how your income compensation was calculated, explain what the 2026/27 changes mean for you and represent you in conciliation or arbitration. Ask about costs at the start so you know what to expect. At MPK Lawyers there is no upfront costs as our retainer is on a No Win No Fee basis *Conditions apply*.
If anything about your payments or assessment looks wrong, speaking with a workers compensation lawyer Perth early gives you time to act before deadlines. MPK Lawyers in Perth can review your claim and explain how the Act applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does workers compensation cover my medical expenses?
Yes. Accepted claims can include compensation for reasonable medical and health expenses, such as first aid, ambulance and medical and surgical attendance, subject to the medical and health expenses general limit.
Can my employer attend my medical appointments?
No. The Act prohibits an employer from attending a worker’s medical examination, and it reinforces your right to choose your own treating medical practitioner. WorkCover WA Information Sheet 29 explains this.
Can the medical expenses limit be increased?
Yes, in some cases. You can apply to WorkCover WA’s Conciliation and Arbitration Services, and an arbitrator may order up to 40% more where your social and financial circumstances justify it. Legal advice is recommended as the process is not straightforward and often subject to pushback by the insurer.
Do provisional payments have to be repaid?
Generally no. Provisional payments can cover income compensation and limited medical and health expenses while your claim is assessed, and they are not recoverable unless the claim involved fraud.
Speak With Our Team About Your Work Injury Claim
Changes to payments and assessments can affect what you receive. Clear advice helps you check your claim is on track.
Book your free initial consultation with our Perth team today.