Question details
Question on Notice
(1) What factors are contributing to this specific rate increase.
(2) Will the Minister review the current Workcover Industry Classification for
Plastering and Ceiling Services and add a classification sub-class with
appropriate rates applied dependent upon the nature of work each employer
completes.
The Allan Labor Government has kept WorkCover premiums for Victorian businesses on hold at 1.8 per cent in 2025-26 - making it the third consecutive year at this rate. Prior to 2023-24, the WorkCover scheme's average premium rate had not increased for over 20 years.
While the average premium rate remains steady, individual business premium rates may change year to year due to factors such as claim performance, industry or size of business. To reduce volatility, the premium model also includes a cap on year-on-year premium rate increases for individual businesses.
WorkSafe has advised that the industry rate for the Plastering and Ceiling Services industry has decreased in recent years, from 9.86 per cent in 2023-24 to 9.023 per cent in 2025-26. Therefore, I encourage this La Trobe Valley plastering business to contact their WorkCover Agent for further details on the factors that contributed to their premium increasing.
The Allan Labor Government is conscious that the current economic environment has had an impact on many businesses. To support employers, WorkSafe and WorkSafe's Agents have engaged a range of measures to support businesses, which include discount rates for early payment of premiums and offering flexible payment plan options for employers.
The Hon. Ben Carroll MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Education
Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC
