AustraliaI was injured at work in a Commonwealth government job. How do I claim compensation?
If you were injured at work in a Commonwealth government job, you must lodge a claim under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth) with Comcare within strict time limits.
What the Law Says
The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth) (SRCA) governs compensation for injuries sustained by employees of the Commonwealth and its authorities. It sets out who is covered, what injuries qualify, how claims are made, and what benefits are payable.
The SRCA applies to all employees of the Australian Government, including departments, agencies, and prescribed authorities. It does not apply to state or territory public servants — they are covered by their respective state schemes.
You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible — ideally within 3 days — and lodge a formal claim with Comcare within 6 months of the injury occurring. Late claims may still be accepted if reasonable cause is shown.
Compensation can include weekly payments for lost income, medical and rehabilitation expenses, permanent impairment benefits, and in some cases, dependants’ compensation.
Statutory TextAn employee who sustains an injury in the course of his or her employment is entitled to compensation under this Act.
— Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth), s. 14 — Entitlement to compensation
Statutory TextA claim for compensation must be made within 6 months after the occurrence of the injury.
— Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth), s. 53 — Time for making claims
What to Do
Notify your supervisor or HR immediately — preferably within 3 days of the injury.
Complete and lodge a Comcare Claim Form (Form 12) online via the Comcare website or by post.
Provide supporting evidence: medical certificate, witness statements, and incident report if available.
Cooperate with Comcare’s assessment — they may request further information or arrange an independent medical examination.
If your claim is accepted, keep records of all treatment, receipts, and correspondence; if rejected, you may seek internal review within 60 days.
Sources
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GermanyNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.