Reforms targeting support for injured workers and families affected by fatal workplace accidents have passed Victoria’s parliament, with the state opposition calling for balance to ensure changes do not increase premiums.

The family support overhaul increases the weekly pension for dependent children, offers a broader range of lump sum entitlements to recognise grief and loss, and improves services.

The legislation also provides for a claimants’ code of rights. Employers must ensure return to work co-ordinators complete training and have reasonable facilities and assistance, people with “lived experience” will be appointed to WorkSafe’s advisory committees, and an independent review will take place every five years starting in 2030.

WorkSafe Minister Ben Carroll says the changes are about ensuring injured workers and others are treated “fairly, respectfully and with the dignity they deserve” under the workers’ compensation scheme.

A review of WorkSafe’s management of complex workers’ compensation claims recommended changes, detailed in a report in 2022.

Opposition financial integrity and budget repair spokesman David Davis told parliament reforms have to achieve a balance.

“We support initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety and ensuring appropriate treatment and rehabilitation of injured workers,” he said.

“We need at the same time to be careful, in that the complexity of the scheme can itself begin to present challenges for businesses and may jeopardise business viability through even higher premiums.”

Mr Davis said even good employers have seen significant premium increases, including jumps of more than 200%.

“While there was a freeze last financial year, employers remain fearful of premium increases, especially in consequence of these changes and increased payments,” he said. “So we need to be very thoughtful about how this is going to operate.”

The government has said the average WorkCover premium rate for 2025-26 will remain at 1.8% of remuneration for a third straight year, and the changes are not expected to have a significant financial impact on the scheme or future premium decisions.