Current reform hub
NSW workers compensation reforms commencing 1 July 2026
SIRA has announced that key workers compensation changes commence on 1 July 2026 and the Workers Compensation Guidelines 2026 have been published through the NSW Gazette. This hub translates the current sources into practical worker issues: what notice you received, what evidence matters, and which page to read next.
Reviewed by NSW Work Injury Claims - a business name of Stephen Young Lawyers - Updated 26 June 2026
Quick answer
What injured workers should do now
If an insurer relies on the 2026 reforms, do not answer the letter in broad terms. Identify the exact decision first: weekly payments, work capacity, treatment, WPI, IME, section 11A, or domestic assistance. Then gather evidence that answers that decision and check whether transitional rules or staged thresholds apply.
Workers compensation overview
Start here if you need the broader NSW workers compensation pathway before checking a specific 2026 reform issue.
Read guideWorkers Compensation Guidelines 2026
What changes from 1 July 2026 and how workers should read insurer decisions that rely on the new Guidelines.
Read guidePsychological injury reforms
Primary psychological injury thresholds, section 11A issues, secondary symptoms and evidence risks.
Read guideWork capacity assessments
How to respond when the insurer says you have capacity for suitable employment after commencement.
Read guideReasonably necessary treatment
Treatment, surgery, scans and rehabilitation requests should be framed around the exact reason the insurer disputes them.
Read guideIME reports and guideline evidence
How to check whether an IME report answers the accepted injury, current evidence and real work duties.
Read guideCertificates of capacity
When certificate evidence matters for weekly payments, work capacity and safe recovery at work planning.
Read guideImportant correction to older reform summaries
Some earlier reform material discussed different threshold numbers or draft settings. This page is now aligned to SIRA current commencement announcement, the current SIRA reform FAQ, and the NSW Government Gazette publication of the Workers Compensation Guidelines 2026. Do not assume an older 21%, 31%, or draft-consultation summary applies to a decision made after 1 July 2026.
For primary psychological injury claims, SIRA current FAQ describes staged thresholds over time. Physical injury work injury damages, secondary psychological symptoms, medical expenses, weekly payments and domestic assistance can raise different questions. The correct answer depends on the accepted injury, dates and evidence.
Official sources
- SIRA - key workers compensation changes commence 1 July
- SIRA - workers compensation reform FAQs
- NSW Government Gazette - Workers Compensation Guidelines 2026
General information only. This is not legal advice. Get advice about your own notice, dates, accepted injury, medical evidence and transitional position.
Quick reform FAQs
Did the NSW workers compensation reforms commence on 1 July 2026?
SIRA says key workers compensation changes commence on 1 July 2026 and that the Workers Compensation Guidelines 2026 are available through the NSW Gazette. Workers should check the final SIRA and Gazette sources, not older draft consultation summaries.
Should I still rely on older 21% or 31% reform summaries?
Not without checking the current source and your claim dates. SIRA current reform FAQ describes staged thresholds for primary psychological injury claims, including at least 25%, then more than 26%, then more than 28% over time. Other pathways may have different thresholds.
What should I do if my insurer mentions the 2026 reforms?
Ask what decision is being made, keep the written notice and attachments, then organise evidence around that decision. The next step may differ for weekly payments, work capacity, treatment, WPI, IME or section 11A issues.
Does this page give legal advice?
No. It is general information only. A worker should obtain advice about their own notice, dates, accepted injury, evidence and transitional settings.
Need a reform-impact review?
If weekly payments, treatment, work capacity, WPI or psychological injury strategy may be affected by the new rules, get the notice and evidence checked before the insurer position locks in.