Table 7.7: Outsourcing case management

	Outsourcing allowed
NSW	Outsourcing claims management is permitted but does not remove the self-insurer’s responsibility to meet SIRA expectations.
Vic	A self-insurer may appoint a person approved by WorkSafe Victoria to act as the agent to carry out claims management functions — s 392, Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013
Qld	Yes — s 92(4), Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003
WA	Yes (provided the outsourcing arrangement is discussed with, and approved by, WorkCover WA) see: Application for Self-insurer Licence Guidelines.
SA	Decisions must be made by the self-insurer itself and this cannot be delegated — clause 1 of the Code of Conduct.
Tas	Yes
ACT	Yes
NT	Outsourcing claims management is not covered in the legislation for self-insurers, however, would not remove the obligations place on the self-insurer as part of the conditions of their license.   All persons managing Northern Territory claims must have completed the  NT workers compensation online training program to ensure knowledge and consistency in managing claims.
Comcare	s 108B of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 specifies that a licence may authorise a third party (acting on the licensee’s behalf) to manage claims under the Act. s 108B(4) stipulates that, should a licensee enter into such a contract, it does not come into force unless, and until, the Commission has varied the licence to note the identity of the contracted claims manager. The licence does not cover claims with a date of injury which pre-dates the date of the licence and the licensee must continue to manage these claims as per State/Territory arrangements in accordance with s108A (7). However, if the licensee was a premium payer under the Act prior to licence commencement,  Act tail claim arrangements may be included in the licence, see s108A (2).
NZ	Accredited Employers may, with the consent of ACC, retain third party providers to assist in the management of workplace injuries; this is subject to them maintaining direct personal involvement with the claimant.