Thoroughbred Trainers Insurance Levy

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. 
• 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.

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. 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?

On the 31st October 2024, RQ proudly distributed approximately $730,000 in payments to eligible QLD Thoroughbred Trainers in its first year of the Levy. Payments are paid via a direct deposit into their banking account on file with Racing Queensland. If this information has recently changed, please contact RQ accounts receivable on team: ar@racingqueensland.com.au. 

How do I become eligible for the Insurance Subsidy in 2025?

RQ will automatically retrieve the relevant policy information for any trainer who participated in the Levy in 2024 and has provided an updated Letter of Authority. 

If there are any issues with eligibility, trainers from the 2024 subsidy group will be contacted directly. 

Trainers who wish to sign up for the Levy Subsidy or who are unsure whether they’ve already submitted an updated Letter of Authority are encouraged to resubmit the form on this page or contact RQ for advice. 

To be eligible for the Insurance Subsidy for the Workers’ Compensation premium period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, trainers must meet the following requirements: 

• Have held a WorkCover policy for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 or from the commencement date of the business during that period.  
• Submit a signed Letter of Authority to Racing Queensland (RQ), allowing RQ to access key policy information needed for claims management and subsidy calculations. 
• Report all workplace incidents and lodge incident reports with RQ. 
• Complete any required RQ WHS resources, such as inductions or WHS training materials. 
• Ensure your client code is up to date with RQ to allow correct processing of the subsidy payment. 
• Ensure all of the above is provided to RQ by 31 July 2025. 

If you have questions, please reach out via the following: 

• Email: insurancelevy@racingqueensland.com.au 
• Phone: (07) 3869 9770 (Please request Risk and Compliance)