QBE is the only company not to have its contract renewed after WorkSafe Victoria last week announced a new agent panel to manage workplace injury insurance claims and premium collection from July 1.

Employers Mutual has replaced QBE on the panel. Allianz, CGU, Gallagher Bassett Services and Xchanging Integrated Services were reappointed.

WorkSafe Victoria CEO Clare Amies says QBE has played a significant role in the workers’ compensation scheme, and “I thank every member of the dedicated QBE team for their contribution”.

WorkCover insurance registrations and claims currently managed by QBE will move to either Xchanging or Employers Mutual when current panel contracts expire on June 30.

A QBE spokesman expressed disappointment at being dropped from the panel.

“We have been participants in the Victorian workers’ compensation scheme since its inception,” she told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“We are disappointed with WorkSafe Victoria’s decision and are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for affected customers and injured workers when the new panel comes into effect.”

The spokesman says QBE will continue to provide a national network of workers’ compensation and general insurance experts “to deliver the flexible service our customers have come to expect from us”.

WorkSafe’s announcement follows a tender process that began last June. The panel contracts are for five years.

“The new agency agreement aims to further improve services delivered to Victorian employers and workers and ensure the sustainability of the workers’ compensation scheme,” Ms Amies said.

“The make-up of the panel has been designed to provide the best possible balance of skills, capability and innovation.”

IAG Australian Business Division CEO Ben Bessell has welcomed CGU’s reappointment.

“For the past five years CGU has performed strongly on a number of metrics including service and return-to-work measures,” he said.

Allianz Chief GM Workers’ Compensation Helen Silver says the insurer’s reappointment represents “recognition of our great work and our unrelenting focus to improve our performance”.

“Allianz has a long history of collaboration with WorkSafe Victoria,” she said. “It is a key component of our national workers’ compensation service.”