As it is difficult to make exact comparisons between the states and territories, the following qualifications should be noted:

• Industry classifications vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
• On 1 July 2010, WorkCover Queensland moved from ANZSIC 1993 to ANZSIC 2006 to better reflect the evolution of technology and changes in industry during that period. Current rates are published by Gazette notice .
• On 1 July 2011, Victoria introduced an industry classification system based on ANZSIC 2006 to better reflect the evolution of technology and changes in industry. Current rates are published by Gazette notice.
• The Australian Capital Territory publishes ACT private sector workers' compensation scheme suggested reasonable premium rates for industry classifications based on ANZSIC 2006, which include a comparison from the preceding year.
• These actuarially determined rates are released to the community and are provided to the Approved Insurers who underwrite the Scheme to assist in the determination of premium rates for the coming year.
• Levy/Premium category comparisons are done on a ‘best match’ basis and should not be regarded as exact equivalents.

The number of self-insurers varies across the different jurisdictions. For the number of self-insurers in each jurisdiction see Table 7.1.

Charges in addition to the workers’ compensation premium may be levied in some jurisdictions. An example is the Dust Diseases levy in New South Wales, which is levied on employers under the Workers’ Compensation (Dust Diseases) Act 1942 to fund compensation to people who contract a dust disease including asbestosis and silicosis, and to their dependants. Employers engaged in the mining industry in New South Wales also pay a contribution to the Mine Safety Fund, established under the  Mine Safety (Cost Recovery) Act 2005 . This contribution funds the mine safety activities of the New South Wales Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services. A work health and safety fee is additional to the levy (premium) payable in South Australia.

The maximum and minimum figures given for experience-rated premium rates represent the extent to which the published rate may be varied according to the various forms of experience rating based on claims rate in a given period. The following information should be noted relating to experience-rated premium rates.

• In Victoria it is based on the employer’s remuneration.
• The extent to which insurance companies may discount or load premiums according to experience may vary. For example, amendments to Western Australia’s legislation mean that recommended premium rates can be surcharged up to 75% and with the WorkCover WA Authority’s (Board) approval can be surcharged in excess of 75%. There are no limitations on discounting.
• Figures given for highest and lowest experience-rated premium rates should be treated with some caution. Those for South Australia represent actual maximums and minimums. New Zealand applied an experience rating from 1 April 2011. ReturnToWorkSA applied a mandatory experience rating system for medium and large employers and optional retro-paid loss arrangements for large employers from 1 July 2012.