Code of Injured Workers Rights

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When injured workers go through the WorkCover system, they can face disbelief, delays, intrusive surveillance, and adversarial processes when they are at their most vulnerable. Oftentimes, instead of being supported to recover and return to work safely, injured workers are forced to fight for treatment, income, and dignity.

In 2025, the Victorian Government committed to introducing a Code of Claimant Rights following a recommendation from Peter Rozen QC in his review of Workers' Compensation.

A meaningful Code of Injured Workers’ Rights would set clear, enforceable standards, ensuring workers are treated with fairness and respect, supported in recovery, and not retraumatised by the WorkCover system itself.

It is our position that the Code of Injured Workers Rights should be informed by the following principles that give injured workers the rights: 

• To dignity, fairness and respect. To have their views heard, their privacy protected, and the freedom to speak up without fear of repercussion.

• To clear, effective communication — including being fully informed and supported by a representative or support person of their choice.

• To access prompt, appropriate, and evidence-informed medical care that supports recovery.

• To a safe and suitable return to work where appropriate, and the right to refuse unsafe or inappropriate duties.

• To an efficient and worker-centred dispute and complaints process, including meaningful remedies if this Code is breached.

See our draft Code of Injured Workers Rights here.