Clubs Unite with Others in Push for Urgent Workers’ Compensation Reform

The alliance — which includes Business NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, Restaurant and Catering Industry Association, Australian Hotels Association NSW and others — represents hundreds of thousands of businesses and organisations across the state.

The groups have united to back the Workers’ Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.

The reforms, which are not retrospective, are designed to stabilise the scheme and prevent a projected 36 per cent increase in workers’ compensation premiums over the next three years.

“Small, community-owned clubs with limited budgets are set to be hit hardest if the Parliament does not pass the workers’ compensation package,” says ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant.

“Every day that this scheme continues unchecked is another day when employers are sidelined from key decisions, and the State Budget is pushed further into the red.”

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter says small and medium businesses cannot afford further delay. 

“The NSW Parliament should be supporting small businesses, not leaving them to struggle,” he says. 

“Soaring premiums are threatening jobs, investment, and the survival of thousands of small and medium businesses. Businesses need this bill to pass.”

Mr Hunter noted that the Minns Government’s reforms are not retrospective, meaning no one receiving benefits will lose them. 

He warned that if the reforms aren’t passed, 320,000 small and medium NSW businesses could face a devastating premium increase of at least 12 per cent in the coming months (and 36 per cent over three years). 

“One in five of our members say they’ll be forced to close if premiums continue to rise. Nearly half say they’ll have to cut staff. That’s not just bad for business – it’s bad for jobs, communities and the broader economy.”