At Bourke Legal, we hear from injured workers across New South Wales every day. Many are confused about who is managing their workers compensation claim, why insurers keep changing, and what it means for their rights.
Common questions we get are:
“Why is QBE/icare/Allianz no longer managing my claim?”
“Is my insurer leaving the scheme?”
“Will my case be transferred again?”
These are all valid concerns—especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of an injury, time off work, or uncertainty about your income. Here’s what’s really happening and how it affects you.
The background: Why your insurer changed
In 2018, icare (Insurance & Care NSW) changed the way workers compensation claims were managed. Previously, several insurers—QBE, Allianz, CGU, GIO, and others—handled claims under the NSW workers compensation scheme. Then, icare appointed EML (Employers Mutual Limited) as the sole claims agent for all new claims.
This move was intended to improve consistency. But for many injured workers, it just made the system more confusing.
Older claims continued to be managed by providers like QBE, but from 1 January 2018 onwards, new claims went straight to EML. Injured workers didn’t get much say in who managed their case, and many didn’t realise a change had happened until something went wrong—like a delay in payment or a new case manager with a different insurer.
The return of multiple providers—then another shift
In 2022, icare reintroduced multiple insurers into the system in response to ongoing criticism and performance issues. This included QBE rejoining the scheme as one of six approved Claims Service Providers (CSPs), along with:
- EML
- QBE
- Allianz
- GIO
- Gallagher Bassett
- DXC Technology
This meant new claims could be assigned to a range of providers again—but it also reintroduced inconsistency and confusion, especially for workers unsure about their claim history or case manager.
Now, in a fresh round of restructuring, some providers are once again being phased out of the scheme.
QBE is leaving the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme
QBE is now in the process of exiting the NSW Nominal Insurer scheme.
What does this mean?
- QBE will stop managing new claims under the scheme.
- Existing claims that were being managed by QBE are being gradually transitioned to other approved agents—usually EML or another remaining provider.
- If your claim is affected, you will be notified about the transition.
- Your entitlements do not change—but it’s important to stay informed and follow up if anything is delayed or missed during the handover.
This isn’t just happening with QBE. Other providers are also transitioning out. For example:
- DXC Technology is being removed from the Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) scheme (which manages claims for NSW public sector workers like teachers, nurses, police, paramedics and firefighters).
- From mid-2025, only EML and Allianz will remain as TMF claims managers.
What this means for you as an injured worker
If your claim is being transferred from QBE (or any exiting provider) to a different insurer, you might experience:
- A change in case manager
- Delays in communication
- Confusion about where to send documents or certificates
- Concerns about whether your treatment or benefits will continue
These transitions can cause real disruption—and it’s not your fault. But it is your right to ask questions and seek help if something isn’t handled properly.
You still have rights—regardless of who manages your claim
At Bourke Legal, we’ve helped thousands of injured workers whose claims were delayed, denied, or mishandled during insurer transitions.
Here’s what we want you to know:
Your entitlements don’t change
Whether your claim is with QBE, EML, Allianz or anyone else, you still have a legal right to:
- Weekly payments
- Medical and rehabilitation treatment
- Suitable duties and return-to-work support
- Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment
If your claim is disputed or delayed, we can help—with no cost to you. As IRO-approved lawyers, our fees are covered by the Independent Review Office (IRO), not by you. If you are an exempt worker (police, firefighter, or paramedic), your legal costs are paid by the insurer.
📘 Download our free Workers Compensation Payout Guide:
You can challenge insurer decisions
If you’ve received a Section 78 notice, or you’ve had your weekly payments stopped, we can act on your behalf to dispute the decision and get it reviewed.
👉 Learn more about challenging decisions
You don’t have to go it alone
Whether your claim was originally with QBE or is now with another agent, we’re here to make sure your rights are protected. We only represent workers—not insurers.
We’ve built a strong reputation across New South Wales for helping injured workers navigate confusing, frustrating and unfair insurer processes.
Need help now?
We’re ready to assist—at no cost to you. Call us or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 Call: 1300 026 875
🌐 Visit: bourkelegal.com/workers-compensation
📩 Contact us: Request a callback
Final thoughts from our team
The exit of QBE and other providers from the NSW workers compensation scheme is just the latest in a long list of changes that have made life harder for injured workers—not easier.
While the system shifts behind the scenes, the real impact is felt by the people trying to recover, pay their bills, and get their lives back on track.
If you feel lost, ignored, or stuck, you are not alone. We’re here to help you move forward with clarity, support, and expert legal advice—so you can focus on your recovery, not the red tape.