Independent LawnMowing Contractors Of Australia Forum
Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Advise on Exemption Notice - Work Cover Act

  1. #1
    Member of forum IanC's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Posts
    11

    Default Advise on Exemption Notice - Work Cover Act

    Whilst completing paperwork for an Owners Corporation Management Co. (with the hope of obtaining some maintenance work through them), one of the questions is whether you are an exempt employer under the Work Cover Act. As a sole trader who has just started his own business, I presume that I would be exempt and hence, apparently need to supply an Exemption Notice. Does anyone know what this is and how I would obtain one. I know I am probably just being thick!!! but just thought you guys would be able to clarify this position quickly. Thanks in anticipation for your help.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Chris B's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    1,373

    Default Re: Advise on Exemption Notice - Work Cover Act

    do you have any employees?
    you are not your own employee so dont need workcover if just you

  3. #3
    Senior Member AJD Mowing's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Southerland Shire NSW
    Posts
    2,877

    Default Re: Advise on Exemption Notice - Work Cover Act

    Exempt employers
    Employers who pay $7,500 or less in annual wages are not required to hold a policy of insurance unless they employ an apprentice or trainee, or are part of a group for premium purposes.

    Exempt employers are 'deemed' to hold a policy and have the same obligations as non-exempt employers to provide assistance with injury management and return to work.

    Immediately an exempt employer becomes aware that their wages are likely to exceed $7500 they must take out a workers compensation policy by contacting a WorkCover Scheme Agent. This policy will run for 12 months from 4.00 pm on the day that the employer contacts the Scheme Agent.

    http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/insu...xemptemployers
    AJD Mowing Giving Back Your Life

    http://www.ajdmowing.com.au/

  4. #4
    Senior Member edbeek's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    South Burnett, Qld
    Posts
    1,874

    Default Re: Advise on Exemption Notice - Work Cover Act

    I don't know where IanC is, but in Qld it's different to the NSW requirements AJD posted.
    "If you have a business in Queensland and employ workers, you are required to insure them against workplace accidents with WorkCover Queensland (s48, Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003).

    You cannot pay any of your own claim costs in Queensland.

    There is no threshold that you must reach before insuring in Queensland. If anyone you employ meets the definition of a worker, then you must insure them within five days of commencing employment. Penalties may apply if you insure them any later than this."


    But I think the question IanC is asking is:
    Quote Originally Posted by IanC View Post
    , I presume that I would be exempt and hence, apparently need to supply an Exemption Notice. Does anyone know what this is and how I would obtain one.
    I've got no idea.

  5. #5
    Senior Member happymowin's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Posts
    1,417

    Default Re: Advise on Exemption Notice - Work Cover Act

    id be ringing work cover in your state, not asking a bunch of amateurs like us, mate

    what someone tells you here, while in good faith, may be wrong, so with stuff like that youre best going to the horses mouth

    trying to say this positively, mind you, lol

    cheers

  6. #6
    Senior Member Mrs HMS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Melbourne outer east
    Posts
    1,766

    Default Re: Advise on Exemption Notice - Work Cover Act

    As people cannot employ themselves, a sole trader is not required to pay WorkSafe Insurance (you're in Victoria if I remember rightly).

    Your answer should be Yes and if there is space to elaborate just write Sole Trader only. You should not need an exemption notice.

    In this instance, the Management company may insist, in the absence of WorkCover that you provide them with a certificate of currency for income protection or sickness and accident insurance. If you don't have any, contact Dean at Indy.

    If you were a sole employee of your own pty ltd company then you would need to have workcover

    see here http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/w...ur-obligations
    ~ Joanne ~

  7. #7
    Member GAMS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Dulong, Queensland
    Posts
    85

    Default Re: Advise on Exemption Notice - Work Cover Act

    In Qld, you are exempt if you are sole trader, and in the event you are a Pty Company, if you are a director, you are also exempt. Even though as a director, you are an employee for the purposes of taxation etc, directors are exempt - but obviously advisable to have personal injury / accident insurance cover.

    Just google your state worcover site, and you should be able to determine which category you fall into - otherwise as previously advised - give them a bell.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •