30 March 2026
Calls to tighten access to workers’ compensation for psychological injuries risk leaving Queensland workers – particularly frontline workers caught in the crossfire –without the support they need, as a major review of the scheme is launched.
The State Government this week initiated a review of the Industrial Relations Act 2016and the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, as pressure mounts over a surge in psychological injury claims, which have nearly doubled over the past five years.
Special Counsel at Travis Schultz & Partners, Sarah Grace, said while the review was an opportunity to improve a scheme already regarded as one of the strongest in the country – stable, fair and supported by comparatively low premiums – it must not come at the expense of workers dealing with serious psychological harm.
“Psychological injuries are real, debilitating and can be life-altering – and workers deserve the same protection as they would for a physical injury,” Ms Grace said.
“In our work, we regularly see first responders and frontline workers, including police, paramedics and nurses, dealing with post-traumatic stress (PTSD).
“These injuries are sometimes linked to a single critical incident, but more often the result of repeated exposure to trauma over time. They are complex, cumulative, and can have a profound impact on someone’s ability to keep doing their job.
“Just because an injury can’t be seen on a scan doesn’t mean it isn’t real. In many of these cases, recovery is more complex and takes longer than for physical injuries – requiring a coordinated approach to treatment and return to work.
“First responders are already recognised within the scheme, with presumptive laws for PTSD designed to ensure they can access support when they need it. Any move to wind that back would be deeply concerning – these are workers exposed to trauma as part of their role, and access to support should not become harder.”
Ms Grace said the impacts of psychological injury extended beyond frontline roles.
“We’re also seeing a growing number of cases involving workplace bullying, harassment and psychological harm across a wide range of industries,” Ms Grace said.
“Feeling psychologically safe at work is fundamental, and if protections are wound back, there is a real risk people will suffer in silence and that employers may place less emphasis on psychological safety.
“We don’t want to see those standards start to slip, or stigma around psychological injury begin to creep back in. We’ve made significant progress in recognising these injuries – we can’t afford to go backwards.”
Workers’ compensation claims for psychological injury have increased by almost 97 per cent over the past five years, while secondary psychological injury claims have risen by more than 60 per cent.[1] However, they still represent a relatively small share of the overall scheme in Queensland, with 3,633 primary mental health claims recorded out of 74,976 total claims in the 2024-25 financial year.[2]
“Yes, psychological injury claims are rising – but that reflects greater awareness, more complex workplaces and the reality of what people are experiencing,” Ms Grace said.
“It’s also important to keep that growth in context – primary psychological injury claims account for around five per cent of total claims in Queensland.”
Sue Jankovic, CEO of TIACS, which provides free, confidential mental health counselling support to blue-collar workers, said TIACS exists to make it easier to start the hard conversations and to ensure they are then followed through.
“Across blue-collar industries, we’ve seen real progress – more people are willing to have the conversation, and more are reaching out earlier,” Ms Jankovic said.
“What we know works is removing the social, physical and financial barriers that stop workers asking for help. That means support that is free, relatable, available outside standard hours, and built by industry for industry – so it fits the reality of blue‑collar work.
“This review is rightly looking at how the system responds once someone is injured. Our experience shows the biggest gains come earlier – when barriers are removed and people can access support before issues escalate into formal claims and long‑term absence.
“When someone doesn’t feel it’s safe or simple to reach out, they wait until the wheels fall off. That’s when the impact becomes far greater – for the individual, their family and their workplace.”
Ms Grace said the review was an opportunity to improve the scheme – not wind back protections for workers.
“Addressing fraud is important, but so is ensuring genuinely injured workers are not treated with suspicion,” Ms Grace said.
“This must be about better recovery, better return to work, and a scheme that is sustainable – without compromising fair access to treatment and compensation. “If protections are wound back, there is a real risk the progress made over the past decade will be undone, and people will be less likely to seek help when they need it.”
[1] Source: Queensland Government announcement, March 2026 (OIR / Workers’ Compensation Regulator data): The number of primary psychological claims has increased by almost 97.4 per cent in the last five years, from 1,950 in 2020-21 to 3,849 in 2024-25. Secondary psychological injury claims have also increased over the last five years, (62%) from 1,921 in 2020-21 to 3,118 in 2024-25, including by 19 per cent in 2024-25.
[2] Source: WorkCover Queensland, Annual Report 2024–25: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/151048/WorkCover-Queensland-Annual-report-2024-2025-FINAL.pdf
Media contact: Trudie Abel, Fresh PR & Marketing | 0408 119 443 | trudie@freshprm.com.au
About spokesperson available:
www.schultzlaw.com.au/meet-your-team/sarah-grace/
Sarah Grace is a Special Counsel at Travis Schultz & Partners in Brisbane with nearly two decades’ experience in personal injury law and a recognised voice in Queensland’s compensation system. A former Queensland President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) and current Queensland Law Society (QLS) Councillor, she is regularly called on for her insight into claimant rights, compensation law and emerging injury trends. Known for offering a balanced perspective, Sarah provides commentary on legislative developments and reform debates shaping Queensland’s compensation landscape.
About Travis Schultz & Partners
Travis Schultz & Partners was established in 2018 by founding Managing Partner Travis Schultz on the guiding values of fairness, respect and expertise. Today, the award-winning, nationally recognised compensation law firm is home to Queensland’s largest team of Personal Injury Accredited Specialists among its more than 70 staff. The firm services clients across the state from offices in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Cairns. www.schultzlaw.com.au
