What is the Insurance Levy?
The levy collects 1% of prize money winnings on all TAB races with a goal to use the money to support Queensland trainers in funding rising WorkCover premiums, contribute towards trainers' public liability insurance (RQ funded), support improved WHS practices, and assist in the management of WorkCover claims. Ultimately, the levy seeks to support trainers while encouraging a reduction in insurance claims through WHS support to prevent claims and claims management to efficiently manage claims.
How long will the Insurance Levy run?
The Insurance Levy was introduced on 1 January 2024 and will run for an initial trial period until 30 June 2025 (18 months).
Am I eligible to benefit from the levy?
If you are a licensed Queensland trainer, you will benefit from the insurance levy through the following:
- Trainers with WorkCover policies will receive a maximum of 30% of the premium reimbursed, representing approximately 80% of the total levy distribution. As the levy only ran for 6 months of this year, the reimbursement is expected to be considerably less than 30% (approximately 5-15%).
- Racing Queensland’s continued funding of trainer public liability insurance through a partial subsidy from this levy (10% of levy).
- Access to improved WHS resources.
I have a WorkCover Queensland policy. How do I receive this year's reimbursement?
To receive access to the WorkCover Queensland reimbursement fund, RQ will provide access to an online portal where trainers can upload evidentiary documentation. The maximum amount a trainer can receive is 30% of their total premium however the subsidy is not expected to be 30%.
Lodgement of documents is only allowed electronically through the portal. It is the trainers responsibility to provide the correct information online and any incorrect or missing information will not be assessed.
The portal will be open from 1 August 2024 to 30 September 2024. In order to be eligible to access the partial reimbursement of the premium (up to 30% of policy costs), trainers must:
- Provide to RQ proof of payment of the 2023/24 WCQ premium. Proof of payment is in the form of a receipt from WCQ detailing full payment.
- Provide a full copy of the 2024/25 WCQ premium notice, detailing the actual premium paid for the year 2023/24. This premium notice will be issued upon renewal of the WC policy for the 2024/25 financial year, issued around August each year.
- Submit a Letter of Authority in the approved format to act on behalf of the trainer.
- Provide a statutory declaration of truthfulness and accuracy.
- Submit this information before 30 September 2024 (hard deadline).
- The trainers contact WorkCover Queensland and request access to their workers compensation claims and premium information through the WorkCover Queensland portal “WorkCover Queensland Connect for Employers”.
The assessment of the reimbursement is at RQ’s discretion, and the amount RQ assesses is final.
When can I apply for reimbursement?
RQ will send a text message to trainers reminding them of the opening of the reimbursement program on 1 August 2024. Trainers will be required to provide information to support eligibility through an online form via the Racing Queensland website. The form is not currently open and will be available from 1 August 2024. The portal will close on 30 September 2024, after which no further submissions will be allowed. There will be a link on this page from 1 August 2024.
How much will I receive?
80% of the insurance levy has been allocated to the reimbursement pool. Eligible trainers will receive the percentage of their premium as a percentage of the total value of premiums submitted. For example, the total pool was $10, and if 10 trainers submitted 10 premiums of $10 each in value (totalling $100), each trainer would receive 10% each of the total premium pool ($1 each). The maximum amount a trainer can receive is 30% of their total premium. Amounts above 30% will be provided back into initiatives that support the wider pool of trainers, including supporting the subsidy of the public liability premium, WHS initiatives, and claims management support. This is to ensure a fairer distribution across the whole trainer group.
The assessment of the reimbursement is at RQ’s discretion, and the amount RQ assesses is final.
When will my reimbursement be paid if I am eligible?
This year's reimbursement will be paid by 31 October 2024. Trainers will be paid through the bank information on file with Racing Queensland.
How do I receive the reimbursement for next year?
To be eligible for the reimbursement for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, trainers must:
- Provide to RQ proof of payment of the 2024/25 WCQ premium. Proof of payment is in the form of a receipt from WCQ detailing full payment.
- Provide a full copy of the 2025/26 WCQ premium notice, detailing the actual premium paid for the year 2024/25. This premium notice will be issued upon renewal of the WC policy for the 2025/26 financial year, issued around August each year.
- Submit a renewed Letter of Authority in the approved format to act on behalf of the trainer.
- Provide a statutory declaration of truthfulness and accuracy.
- Report all incidents and lodge their incident reports to RQ.
- Complete any RQ WHS resources (e.g., induction, WHS training resources).
- Submit this information before 30 September 2025.
Who can I talk to about any questions I may have?
If you have questions, please reach out via the following:
- Email: hvincent@racingqueensland.com.au
- Phone: (07) 3869 9777 (Please request Risk and Compliance)
- Post:
- Risk and Compliance
- Racing Queensland
- PO Box 63
- SANDGATE QLD 4017