Yes. The NT WorkSafe employer bulletin, reviewed on 05 January 2023, says an employer is liable for workers compensation premium interest if the premium is not paid in full within one month after receiving the insurer’s premium notice. Use the date the employer receives that notice as the start of the one-month payment clock. Figures checked 1 October 2026 against the NT WorkSafe source linked above.
When does the one-month payment clock start?
It starts when the employer receives the insurer’s premium notice. The relevant question is whether the full premium has been paid within the following one month.
| Premium position within one month of receiving the notice | Position under the published NT WorkSafe rule |
|---|---|
| The full premium is paid | The stated condition for interest is not met. |
| Only part of the premium is paid | The premium has not been paid in full, so the employer is liable for interest under the stated rule. |
| No payment is made | The employer is liable for interest under the stated rule. |
Keep the notice and record its receipt date. Check the current regulator page and the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before acting, because this summary does not set the exact due date or interest calculation.
Does paying only part of the premium prevent interest?
No. NT WorkSafe’s wording is that the premium must be paid in full within one month of receiving the notice. Under that wording, a part payment does not prevent the interest liability when an amount remains unpaid after the one-month period.
How can I find the interest amount or confirm what is owed?
The cited NT WorkSafe material does not state an interest rate, calculation formula or dollar amount. It therefore does not provide enough information to calculate the interest independently.
Contact the approved insurer that issued the premium notice to confirm:
- the full outstanding premium;
- whether the one-month condition has been met;
- how interest has been calculated; and
- how the payment should be made.
If you need help obtaining workers compensation insurance rather than resolving an existing policy, NT WorkSafe says you can contact an insurance broker and obtain cover from an approved insurer.
What should an NT cleaning employer do next?
Start with the relevant contact:
- If you have received a premium notice: contact the approved insurer that issued it and ask for the full balance and interest details.
- If you need to obtain a policy: contact an insurance broker and use an insurer approved in the Northern Territory.
- If a cleaner’s status is unclear: seek independent professional advice about tax and other employer obligations. NT WorkSafe says a person determined to be an employee using ATO guidance should be covered even if the employer considers the person a contractor.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current NT WorkSafe regulator page and your policy’s PDS, and confirm the applicable terms with the approved insurer or broker.
Sources
FAQ
When does NT WorkSafe say premium interest becomes payable?
NT WorkSafe says interest is payable when the employer does not pay the premium in full within one month after receiving the insurer’s premium notice.
Is a part payment enough to avoid interest?
No. The published condition requires payment in full. An unpaid balance remaining after the one-month period does not avoid the stated interest liability.
Does the NT WorkSafe page provide an interest rate?
No. The cited material does not state an interest rate, formula or dollar amount. The approved insurer that issued the notice should confirm the calculation.
Who can confirm the amount I owe?
Contact the approved insurer that issued the premium notice. An insurance broker can also help if you need assistance obtaining workers compensation insurance from an approved NT insurer.
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