Cover image courtesy of Australian Trainers’ Association
Victorian trainers are seeing clear improvements in how WorkCover claims are managed and injuries are handled, following the introduction of a targeted initiative driven by Racing Victoria (RV) and the Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA) - one that could now be viewed as a national blueprint for industry-led reform.
In 2023, a 130% increase in the WorkCover rate had trainers seeing their premiums jump from around 4% to as high as 18%, blindsiding many and adding tens of thousands of dollars to operating costs. For an industry already juggling workforce shortages, seven-day staffing, and rising overheads, the impact was immediate and significant.
In response, RV and the ATA established the WorkCover Support Service (WSS) program with a clear mandate: stabilise premiums, improve injury management, and give trainers greater control over a system that had become unpredictable.
Garry Cuddy | Image supplied
Funded by a contribution from prizemoney by RV (part of the initial 1% participant welfare allocation from February 2024, which reduced to 0.5% in August 2025), the ATA oversees the delivery of WSS, led by head consultant Garry Cuddy, CES Workcover Solutions, and insurance agency, Gallagher Bassett.
Two years in, the outcomes are compelling. More than 120 Victorian trainers have joined the program, with immediate financial savings reported across operations of all sizes.
Workplace outcomes have also strengthened: When WSS commenced, the average return-to-work timeframe across the Victorian network was 78 days - meaning injured workers were taking nearly three months to return to full duties.
Within the first 12 months, that figure was reduced to 50 days. As of 3 December 2025, the average return-to-work timeframe for WSS-supported trainers is now 35 days.
When claims are managed well, and staff return to work sooner, it places genuine downward pressure on premiums over time.
While no single program controls the industry premium rate, and WorkCover reform is not a quick fix, trainers involved in WSS can still see clear benefits regardless of external movements. The key is consistency, and the program’s outcomes to date demonstrate what is possible for long-term industry stability, no matter the size of your stable.
Dabernig Racing is among the growing list of stables backing the program.
“If you’re a trainer and not part of the WSS, do yourself a favour and join.” - Cassi Dabernig
“The WSS network has been a game-changer for our business. Garry and his team have supported us through tough moments and everyday safety challenges with guidance far beyond anything we expected. If you’re a trainer and not part of the WSS, do yourself a favour and join.” Cassi Dabernig, Dabernig Racing.
Cassi Dabernig | Image courtesy of Coolmore
Racing Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Morrison, says the WSS has been an important initiative for Victorian racing and has provided a meaningful benefit for trainers.
“The participant welfare contribution from prizemoney provided some immediate relief to trainers with their WorkCover premiums and continues to deliver ongoing assistance to them through the WorkCover Support Services program, which is delivering strong results.
“In effect, every trainer contributes to the program through their prizemoney contribution, so it is worth registering to obtain the maximum benefit and in doing so help the industry’s efforts to improve WorkCover outcomes for all trainers.
“It’s terrific to see how the ATA and the WSS program is helping trainers and their employees get back to work earlier.” - Aaron Morrison
“It’s terrific to see how the ATA and the WSS program is helping trainers and their employees get back to work earlier, which should have a positive flow-on effect for the industry now and into the future.”
Aaron Morrison | Image courtesy of Racing Victoria
The success of the Victorian model has not gone unnoticed, with other states now examining whether the framework can be adopted nationally.
“Victoria has shown what’s possible when the industry takes ownership,” Stephen Bell, Australian Trainers Association Chief Executive, said. “This could become the template for a national approach.”
“This could become the template for a national approach.” - Stephen Bell
With clear financial savings, stronger workplace outcomes, and growing industry uptake, RV’s and ATA’s WorkCover Support Service is delivering practical, measurable benefits for trainers. The program has emerged to give Victorian stables a far more predictable and manageable system, which can only be seen as a positive outcome for all.
