What has changed
The federal government has amended the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Specified Diseases and Employment) Instrument 2021, specifically item 47. The amendment updates the rules about which diseases are linked to seafaring employment under the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992.
The amending instrument - the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Specified Diseases and Employment) (item 47) Amendment Instrument 2026 - was registered on 10 September 2026. The instrument is administered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
What the instrument covers
The Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Specified Diseases and Employment) Instrument 2021 lists diseases that are taken to be linked to particular categories of seafaring employment for the purposes of the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992. This amendment changes item 47 of that list. The source document does not specify which disease or employment category was added or changed in item 47.
Key actions
- Employers of seafarers covered by the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 are able to check the updated instrument at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01198 to see what change was made to item 47.
- The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is available for contact if clarification is needed on whether the amended disease category affects workers compensation obligations for seafaring staff.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.