Legislative reform

The Commission is implementing amendments to workers compensation legislation and the Personal Injury Commission Act 2020

As part of workers compensation reform in NSW, the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2025 and Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Act 2026 were assented to in late 2025 and early 2026.

The amendments include changes to changes to injury assessment, claims management, available entitlements and how disputes are decided. There are significant changes to the eligibility for entitlements for primary psychological injuries notified after 1 July 2026.

Some of the changes commenced on 27 March 2026, including amendments to the Personal Injury Commission Act 2020. Section 58A provides the Commission with the power to restrict the publication or disclosure of decisions or information, while s 43A provides the Commission with the power to appoint a tutor to a person with a legal incapacity. These new powers apply to all divisions of the Commission.

Following commencement proclamations made at the end of June 2026, it has been confirmed that a number of amendments will commence from 1 July 2026.

On 26 June 2026, the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Regulation 2026 was also published. This outlines further amendments, many of which also commence on 1 July 2026.

A small number of changes are set to commence at future dates.

The Commission is continuing to review and update where necessary its rules, procedural directions, processes and forms to implement these changes, with a focus on using existing instruments where possible. Interim arrangements have been put in place while this work is finalised.

We will continue to undertake this work while continuing to deliver quality, timely, innovative and cost-effective justice for the injured workers of NSW.

More information on the changes can be viewed below, with updates to also be included in the Personal Injury Commission News.

Latest news

Other resources

The NSW Government has developed a range of resources to help injured workers, employers and insurers understand the changes to workers compensation legislation. You can access these at the links below.

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