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WorkSafe vs SIRA: Psychology Under Workers Compensation in NSW vs Victoria

If you have searched for a "WorkSafe psychologist" and are based in NSW, you may have encountered confusion — WorkSafe is Victoria's workers compensation authority, and the requirements for psychologists differ between states. This guide explains the difference and points you toward the right pathway for NSW.

Which Scheme Covers Your Injury?

Australia's workers compensation system is administered by each state and territory separately. Which scheme covers your injury depends primarily on where the injury occurred and where the employment relationship was based — not where you currently live or where the employer is headquartered.

This directory covers NSW only (SIRA/icare). If your claim is in another state, contact that state's authority for a list of approved providers.

WorkSafe Victoria vs SIRA/icare NSW: Key Differences for Psychological Injury

A psychologist with SIRA registration cannot automatically bill WorkSafe Victoria sessions, and vice versa. Provider registration is scheme-specific.

If You Are in NSW: What to Do Next

If your workplace injury occurred in NSW (or your employment was based in NSW), here is the path to finding a psychologist for your claim:

1. Confirm your scheme: If you are unsure whether your claim falls under NSW or another state, call icare's Injury Help Hub (1800 737 822). They can confirm which scheme applies to your situation.
2. Get a GP referral: For workers compensation psychology in NSW, your GP will typically write a referral as part of the treatment pathway. The GP also helps coordinate with the insurer through the Certificate of Capacity.
3. Find a SIRA-registered psychologist: Search the SIRA health care provider register and filter by "Psychologist", or use this directory to find telehealth-available SIRA-registered psychologists in NSW.
4. Confirm SIRA registration with your chosen psychologist: Before your first session, ask: "Do you hold a current SIRA provider number and accept NSW workers compensation clients?" This avoids any billing surprises.

If You Are in Victoria: What to Do Next

This directory does not cover Victorian workers compensation claims. If your injury occurred in Victoria and your claim is with WorkSafe Victoria:

• Contact WorkSafe Victoria on 1800 136 089 for guidance on approved providers
• Visit worksafe.vic.gov.au for the WorkSafe provider register and information on accessing psychology under your claim
• Ask your GP for a referral to a WorkSafe-registered psychologist in Victoria

What If Your Situation Crosses State Lines?

Cross-jurisdictional situations — for example, an employee whose employer is in NSW but who was injured on a worksite in Victoria, or a remote worker who has since moved states — can be complex. The key questions are:

• Where was the injury sustained?
• Where is the employment relationship based (employer's registered state, where the contract was entered, where work is habitually performed)?

If the answers point to different states, contact icare (NSW: 13 77 22) or WorkSafe Victoria (1800 136 089) — both can advise on which scheme takes jurisdiction. This is a question for the scheme authority, not for your psychologist or GP.