RQ extends thoroughbred trainers insurance levy

Racing Queensland has announced that a 1% insurance levy placed on thoroughbred prize money for all TAB races will be extended until June 30, 2027.

The levy was originally introduced at the start of January 2024 on an 18-month trial until June 30, 2025, and was extended for another 12 months until June 30 of this year.

It was introduced in response to the challenges faced by thoroughbred trainers due to rising WorkCover premium costs, with the premium rate increasing by more than 100% between 2016 and 2025.

Under the levy, eligible trainers may receive reimbursements of up to 30% of their WorkCover premium costs—a valuable contribution that helps manage rising insurance expenses.

Pleasingly, claims managed by RQ throughout FY25 showed an approximate 35% improvement in return-to-work outcomes during an injury claim.

This has been aided by RQ’s delivery of Workplace Health and Safety resources portal to improve safety culture and enhance capabilities of racing stables with key policies and procedure documents.

Click here to view these resources on the Racing Queensland website.

Additionally, the implementation of other safety initiatives such as the Safe Footwear campaign and collaboration with Ariat has assisted in these positive results.

Positively, RQ also notes the recent reduction in the WorkCover Industry Classification rate, which is prescribed to calculate WorkCover insurance premiums for the racing industry.

The FY27 rate has decreased by 2.6% against the FY26 rate, which is the first year-on-year decrease in almost a decade.

RQ commends the industry for its commitments to improve safety and claims performance across the sector, which will help ease insurance premium costs.

During FY27, RQ will review the insurance levy, with consideration to be given to the continuation of the levy in FY28.

Click here for more information on the insurance levy.