The unsustainable massive increases in WorkCover premiums for commercial fishing operators has been raised in State Parliament.
Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, said while the increases impacted many sectors, commercial fishing was one of the hardest hit, and he has called for a stop to the escalation. He explained one situation to State Parliament.
“I provide one example of commercial operator. Their WorkCover premium in 2022–23 was $4178,” he said.
“Then in 2023–24 it rose to $13,057 – a massive $8878 increase from the previous year.
“If that wasn’t enough, in 2024–25 it rose to $15,674 – another $2617 increase.
“But here comes the killer. This year (2025/26) it is $24,078 – another $8404 increase. That is a 476 per cent increase in four years,” Mr Bull said.
“The government has previously defended premium rises as being influenced by industry claim performance. However, in 2024 the Australian Maritime Safety Authority reported a 7.9 per cent reduction in marine safety concerns and the fishing sector also recorded a reduction in incidents. “So, what I am seeking from you Minister is if you will both review this latest increase and also ensure the sector will not be hit with any more massive rises.”
The Minister has one month to respond to the question.
