AustraliaI was injured on the job while driving a company vehicle. Which compensation scheme applies?
If you were injured while driving a company vehicle as part of your employment in Australia, you are generally covered under your state or territory’s workers’ compensation scheme — not the national CTP or motor accident schemes.
What the Law Says
Workers’ compensation in Australia is governed by state and territory laws, not federal law. If your injury occurred while driving a company vehicle ‘in the course of employment’, it falls under workers’ compensation — not motor accident or CTP insurance schemes.
Each Australian state and territory has its own workers’ compensation legislation. These laws define ‘injury’ broadly to include physical and psychological harm arising out of or in the course of employment.
Driving a company vehicle for work purposes — such as deliveries, client visits, or travel between worksites — is typically considered ‘in the course of employment’. Even commuting may be covered in limited circumstances (e.g., if required to carry tools or if no fixed workplace exists), but this depends on the specific state law.
Importantly, workers’ compensation is a ‘no-fault’ system: you do not need to prove negligence by your employer to receive benefits. Benefits usually include weekly income support, medical and rehabilitation expenses, and lump sum payments for permanent impairment.
Statutory TextAn injury is taken to arise out of, or in the course of, employment if it occurs while the worker is at work or engaged in a work-related activity.
— Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW), s. 4 — Interpretation
Statutory TextA worker who sustains an injury in the course of employment is entitled to compensation in accordance with this Act.
— Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 (Vic), s. 32 — Entitlement to compensation
Statutory TextThe worker must notify the employer of the injury within 7 days after it occurs.
— Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld), s. 134 — Notification of injury
What to Do
Notify your employer in writing within 7 days of the injury.
Lodge a claim with your state’s workers’ compensation authority (e.g., SIRA in NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, or WorkCover Queensland).
Seek medical treatment and ask your doctor to complete a WorkCover medical certificate.
Keep records of all medical appointments, receipts, and time off work.
Do not sign any waiver or settlement agreement without independent legal advice.
Sources
Not 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.