A wider range of employers are required to contribute to the Coal Mines Insurance (CMI) workers compensation scheme as a result of changes to the Coal Industry Act 2001 (NSW).

The Act requires that approved workers compensation insurance be taken out by an “employer in the coal industry”. The Coal Industry Amendment Act 2018 amended the Coal Industry Act to define “an employer in the coal industry” to mean an “employer whose employees work in or about a coal mine”. The amendments will potentially require many employers that have never previously considered themselves to be an employer in the coal industry to take out a policy with CMI.

Though the legislation came into effect on 1 July 2018, a transition period operated until 30 September during which employers required to take out a policy with CMI will only need to possess a Certificate of Currency from a workers compensation insurer. From 1 October 2018, such employers must obtain a Certificate of Currency from CMI.

If you would like more information about worker’s compensation please contact Ai Group’s Workplace Advice Service on 1300 55 66 77.

Alternatively, if you would like advice about the application of the coal mines insurance worker’s compensation scheme to your employees please contact your local employment, workplace and industrial lawyer in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Melbourne or Brisbane or email Ai Group Workplace Lawyers at info@aigroupworkplacelawyers.com.au.