Key Contacts for Workers
If you need support with an ongoing workers' compensation claim, you may want to reach out to your workers’ compensation case manager, your supervisor/manager at work, or a Return To Work (RTW) Coordinator from your workplace. You can also contact your workplace's Health and Safety Representative or the Human Resources team.
If you have a work-related injury or illness and you feel your voice is not being heard, know you have options:
- Reach out to your state or territory's workers' compensation advice line. See information below.
- Reach out to your union. Find out more about the union that is right for you at https://www.australianunions.org.au/.
Even if your employer is self-insured you can still contact your state or territory’s workers’ compensation authority for independent advice about your rights and entitlements.
It Pays To Care publishes independent information for everyone involved in work injury management, from workers to employers to insurers and regulators. Please note that we are not a support service.
Urgent Mental Health Support
These are free services that you can contact for urgent support. In case of emergency, call 000.
LifeLine - For urgent help in times of emotional distress, contact LifeLine for confidential crisis support and counselling 24 hours a day.
- Phone: 13 11 14
- Text: 0477 13 11 14
- Online Chat: https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
Sucide Call Back Service - This Australia-wide services provides 24/7 phone or online chat counselling to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues. They also do video chats by appointment.
- Phone: 1300 659 467
- Online Chat (click the chat box on the website): https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
Beyond Blue - Private, safe counselling via phone, text or online chat. They can also help you find the right mental health service for you.
- Phone: 1300 22 46 36
- Text: 0477 131 114
- Online Chat: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor/chat
MensLine Australia - MensLine offers round the clock support for men, helping them navigate mental health challenges in a confidential, non-judgmental space.
- Phone: 1300 78 99 78
MATES in Construction - 24/7 helpline for construction, mining and energy sector workers. MATES also provides training for workplaces to improve mental health and suicide prevention literacy and foster help seeking.
- Phone: 1300 642 111
Mental Health Support (Non-Urgent)
- EAP (via your employer) - Employee Assistance Programs offer free, confidential counselling to staff and immediate family and is available through most workplaces.
- Mind Your Head (1300 286 463) - Mind Your Head is a union-led campaign to improve workplace mental health to prevent injury before it happens. Workers interested in learning more about preventing psychological injury can sign up to get free resources.
- SANE Australia (1800 187 263) - SANE offers free digital and telehealth support services for people with complex mental health needs and their friends, families and carers. Services on offer include recovery programs, peer support, 24/7 community forums, information and resources.
- Phoenix Australia (03 9035 5599) - Information and resources for people who have experienced a traumatic event. Visit their website for clear explanations of conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety, and information about treatment options.
- Black Dog Institute (02 9382 2991) - The Black Dog Institute provides a wealth of mental health resources and practical tools for people to understand and improve their mental health.
- Headspace - Mental health support for young people (aged 12-25). Includes centres, online chat, group programs and early intervention.
- Wellways (1300 111 500) - Wellways provides a range of mental helath services in the ACT, NSW, QLD, Tasmania and Vic.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support
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WellMob (1300 78 99) - WellMob offers mental health and cultural support, specifically tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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13YARN (13 92 76) - Australia-wide 24/7 crisis support line run by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 13YARN provides culturally safe, round the clock support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, offering a compassionate space to talk about mental health and crises.
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Brother to Brother (1800 435 799) - 24-hour crisis phone line support for Aboriginal men.
Language, Accessibility and Interpreting
Call TIS National on 131 450 for a free interpreting service for non-English speakers. The operator will connect you with an interpreter in your language over the phone and you will call the organisation you want to speak with together.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or communication difficulty, use the NRS call numbers and links to contact the service you require: https://www.accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs/nrs-call-numbers-and-links
Other supports
- FairWork Ombudsman - Information on workplace rights and complaints, providing resources to ensure workers are treated fairly in the workplace, helping them resolve disputes, ensure fair pay and uphold their workplace rights.
- Safe Work Australia - National guidance and resources to help employers create safe and healthy workplaces, understand laws and meet legal duties to protect workers.
- JobWatch - A community legal centre that helps workers in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania with their rights at work.
Workers' Compensation Authority
- WorkSafe ACT - 13 22 81
- Comcare (for employees of Australian Government agencies) - 1300 366 979
Workers' Compensation Authority
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State Insurance Regulatory Authority (NSW) - 13 74 72
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Comcare (for employees of Australian Government agencies) - 1300 366 979
Jurisdiction Information
- SafeWork NSW: Mental Health Resources - Provides fact sheets, toolkits, and guides on managing psychosocial hazards as part of legal WHS responsibilities. SafeWork NSW offers valuable resources to both workers and employers to manage psychosocial risks and ensure compliance with workplace health and safety obligations, creating safer environments for all.
Workers' Compensation Authority
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NT WorkSafe - 1800 250 713
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Comcare (for employees of Australian Government agencies) - 1300 366 979
Workers' Compensation Authority
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WorkCover Queensland - 1300 362 128
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Comcare (for employees of Australian Government agencies) - 1300 366 979
Jurisdiction Information
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Workplace Health & Safety Queensland - Free mental health toolkit and safety resources to help employers prevent, identify and respond to psychosocial risks. This service equips employers and workers with essential tools to prevent and address mental health risks at work, fostering a safer and healthier workplace.
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Workers’ Psychological Support Service (1800 370 732) - Confidential callback support for Queenslanders with work-related mental injury. Provides confidential, targeted support to workers dealing with mental health challenges due to work-related injuries, offering valuable guidance and resources for recovery.
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Queensland Health – Peer-Led Community Support - Includes telephone triage (1300 MH CALL) and peer-led group programs to build support networks and access referral pathways (health.qld.gov.au). This peer-led initiative helps workers build mental health support networks, offering triage, group support and referral pathways to improve workplace mental health outcomes.
Workers' Compensation Authority
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ReturntoWork SA - 13 18 55
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Comcare (for employees of Australian Government agencies) - 1300 366 979
Jurisdiction Information
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SafeWork SA - Offers return-to-work support including fact sheets, tools, guides and referral resources on psychosocial hazards and mental wellness at work. SafeWork SA provides comprehensive resources to workers and employers, helping with safe return to work processes and addressing psychosocial risks in the workplace.
Workers' Compensation Authority
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WorkSafe Tasmania - 1300 366 322
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Comcare (for employees of Australian Government agencies) - 1300 366 979
Jurisdiction Information
- Worker Assist Tasmania - Free and confidential advice, accessible and confidential support for workers. Helps workers navigate workplace issues, including injury claims and disputes.
Workers' Compensation Authority
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WorkSafe Victoria - 1800 136 089
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Comcare (for employees of Australian Government agencies) - 1300 366 979
Jurisdiction Information
- Migrant Workers Centre - Information, advice and campaigns for fair treatment of migrant workers, advocating for fair treatment and equal rights, offering crucial support to migrant workers facing exploitation or unfair treatment in their workplace.
- WorkCover Assist Victoria - Free help for injured workers navigating WorkCover claims. WorkCover Assist offers injured workers free support, ensuring their entitlements and navigate the complexities of claims.
- Young Workers Centre - Advice, education and legal support for young workers. The Young Workers Centre provides guidance and advocacy to young workers, empowering them with legal advice, education and support to prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.
Workers' Compensation Authority
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WorkCover WA - 1300 794 744
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Comcare (for employees of Australian Government agencies) - 1300 366 979