Insurance & Care NSW (icare) will directly undertake policy and billing requirements for the state’s workers’ compensation scheme from early next year.

It will also offer a new broker channel, a self-service portal and a customer support centre.

A spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au the scheme’s billing and invoicing is currently managed by its agents.

They are Allianz Australia Workers’ Compensation (NSW), CGU Workers’ Compensation (NSW), Employers Mutual NSW, GIO and QBE Workers’ Compensation (NSW).

EGM Workers’ Insurance John Nagle says the new initiatives are intended to make it easier for brokers and employers to buy and renew policies.

“Our customers have told us they want a scheme that is transparent and works in partnership with brokers and customers,” he said. “[It is] a scheme that provides them with the tools to manage their business and their people.

“From [next year], brokers and businesses will have greater choice and support to buy and renew workers’ compensation insurance policies via the new broker channel and self-service portal.

“Brokers and our customers will have simple, easy-to-use multi-channel tools to buy and renew policies anywhere, any time.”

The multi-channel service includes:

• A simple interface for brokers and customers to buy and renew workers’ compensation policies
• Consolidated policy information all in one place, ensuring transparency and accuracy
• The ability for brokers and customers to access policy and billing information both online and through service representatives.

“The new tools coincide with icare’s greater involvement with businesses on risk management and injury prevention,” Mr Nagle said.

“We’re raising the awareness of workers’ compensation in recognising it is an important lever for businesses to improve employee engagement and productivity.”

icare insures more than 270,000 NSW employers and their 3.3 million employees.