To facilitate the implementation of legislative changes, WorkSafe will enact a temporary freeze on all employer portfolio transfers. This measure is essential to uphold WorkSafe’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of injured workers and maintaining stability within the WorkCover scheme during times of significant change.

While WorkSafe typically advocates for market-driven selection of agents to manage an employer’s WorkCover Insurance Policy, the ongoing legislative modifications necessitate a pause in portfolio transfers. Such transfers during this transitional phase could jeopardize the integrity of the scheme and compromise the protection of injured workers’ interests.

During this freeze, employers are required to maintain their current managing agent for a designated period, typically six months, or as determined by WorkSafe. This temporary halt on portfolio transfers will ensure smooth implementation of legislative changes without disruption.

The freeze will be effective from April 1, 2024, extending for a duration of six months until September 30, 2024. It applies to all pending transfer requests and prohibits the initiation of new transfer requests during this period. WorkSafe will conduct a review three months into the freeze to assess its continuation.

Upon conclusion of the freeze period, special protocols may be implemented to manage future transfer requests effectively. WorkSafe will communicate these requirements to agents in advance of lifting the freeze.

This policy applies to all Victorian employers with a WorkCover Insurance Policy. Portfolio transfers are strictly prohibited during the freeze period unless specific circumstances warrant an exemption.

WorkSafe retains sole discretion to approve exemption requests, which must be initially submitted through the intended receiving agent.

Exemptions may be granted in exceptional cases, such as:

1. Employers in the process of transferring their policy before the policy’s effective date.
2. Ongoing tender processes for policy management.
3. Irretrievable breakdown in the relationship between the employer and their current agent.

WorkSafe reserves the right to grant exemptions based on individual circumstances not explicitly outlined in the policy.