The following questions were received from employers on questions relating to what constitutes remuneration under the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986.
What happens if we make a mistake on our remuneration?
Contact the Service Centre on 13 18 55 to amend your remuneration details. You may receive a bill or refund.
Do I include the cost of accommodation at a hotel as part of my employees' remuneration?
This is a complex issue. View the levy information booklet for general guidance on how WorkCover treats remuneration or call the Service Centre on 13 18 55 for advice on your specific circumstances.
Is leave loading included in remuneration?
Yes, leave loading is included in WorkCover's definition of remuneration, except when it is part of a termination package.
Our workforce is due to get a wage rise that is backdated to February. How do we account for this in remuneration?
You can pay the additional levy due at any time but it must be declared in the end of year reconciliation statement.
How do we account for staff bonuses under remuneration?
This is a complex issue. General guidance is included in the inclusions and exclusions section of the levy information booklet. For advice on your specific circumstances phone the Service Centre on 13 18 55.
We have a rewards program for staff members who exceed sales targets. Is this included in our calculation for remuneration?
Payments such as rewards or prizes provided by any organisation such as a distributor or trade association (eg, sales targets met, apprenticeship awards) paid by, but not originating from, the employer are generally excluded from the remuneration calculation.
Our staff members receive additional pay for being on call over the weekend. Is this included in remuneration calculations?
Yes, stand by or on call allowance is included in WorkCover's definition of remuneration.
We pay for gym memberships to reward employees for exceptional service. Is this included in the calculation for remuneration?
Yes, gym memberships are classified as a fringe benefit and are included in WorkCover's definition of remuneration.
Do amounts paid for clothing allowance count as remuneration?
Yes, clothing allowance is included in WorkCover's definition of remuneration, except when it is a reimbursement to the worker for a specific expenditure.
Our sales people are paid a salary retainer and additional payments for achievement of additional targets. How do we handle this in remuneration?
This is a complex issue. Contact the Service Centre on 13 18 55 for advice on your specific circumstances.
We pay some of our employees dirt money for scraping boilers. Is this included in remuneration?
Yes, dirt money is included in WorkCover's definition of remuneration.
We cover the cost of dry cleaning uniforms and other clothing. How do we account for this in remuneration?
Yes, dry cleaning allowance is included in WorkCover's definition of remuneration, except when it is a reimbursement to the worker for a specific expenditure.
Is the first aid allowance included in remuneration?
Yes, first aid allowance is included in WorkCover's definition of remuneration.
How do we handle fringe benefits in our remuneration calculation?
Fringe benefits are payments paid by an employer as a benefit that is part of the worker's reward. These payments need to be included where the fringe benefit is of quantified monetary value. Any fringe benefit tax paid by the employer is not part of the fringe benefit.
How do we calculate overtime and penalty/shift rates for remuneration?
Your total wage, overtime and penalty/shift rates are included as remuneration. Contact the Service Centre on 13 18 55 for advice on your specific circumstances.