WorkCover changes announced today will see premiums increase by more than 40 per cent, changes to mental health eligibility and the creation of a new pilot program for impacted workers.

Today’s State Government announcement of a 42 per cent increase in WorkCover premiums to 1.8 per cent makes our scheme the most expensive in the country and is yet another increase to the cost of doing business in Victoria.

The Victorian Chamber’s third Business Voice trend survey has revealed a drop in confidence concerning business’ revenue growth with almost one-third of businesses responding that they are less likely to recruit new staff, compared to one in four just six months ago.

Victorian businesses are bracing themselves for lower revenue growth and slowing staff recruitment in the coming months as the cost-of-living crisis hits, the latest Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry survey reveals.

In Victoria, employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for their employees and to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004.