Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) 2023             $1,710.30

Annual Equivalent of AWE                                $88,935.60

Average weekly earnings (AWE) means the Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings for the Northern Territory last published by the Australian Statistician before 1 January being the date in respect of which they are required under the Return to Work Act (the Act) to be assessed. The change to average weekly earnings from 1 January each year has an effect on the following sections of the Act.

Section 65(1B) – Maximum Weekly Benefit

The maximum amount after 26 weeks (150% of AWE) = $2,565.45

Section 65(2)(a) and (3A) Long Term Incapacity – Indexing

Persons in receipt of long term benefits have their entitlement adjusted on 1 January each year. The multiplying factors are:

* Multiply the workers Normal Weekly Earnings at time of accident by the corresponding multiplying factor.

Section 3B (10) – Worker Definition (household workers)

Earnings threshold for a worker is $342.06 per week (20% of AWE)

Section 3B (14) - Worker Definition (sportspersons)

Earnings threshold for determination of a worker is $57,808.14 (65% of annual equivalent of AWE)

(Persons involved in sporting activities that are paid at a rate of 65% of the annual equivalent of average weekly earnings, or more, are deemed to be workers)

Section 49A(3)(d) – Non Cash Benefit

The maximum payable for electricity, meals or accommodation is $598.61 per week (35% of AWE)

Section 62 and Regulation 6 - Benefits Payable on Death

Funeral $17,787.12 (20% of annual equivalent of AWE)

For injuries prior to 1 July 2015 that result in death, $8,893.56(10% of annual equivalent of AWE)

Death Benefit $622,549.20 (364 times AWE)

For injuries prior to 1 July 2015 that result in death, $444,678 (260 times AWE)

Section 63 - Dependant Children's Benefit

Weekly payment per child is $171.03 (10% of AWE - maximum 10 children)

Section 65(12) – Minimum Long Term Benefit

The basis for calculating the minimum long term benefit is as follows:

Worker $855.15 (50% of AWE)

Dependent Spouse $213.79 (12.5% of AWE)

Prescribed child $106.89 (6.25% of AWE)

Section 71 - Permanent Impairment

Maximum $355,742.40 (208 times AWE)

For injuries prior to 15 October 1991, maximum $177,871.20 (104 times AWE)

Section 73(3) - Family Counselling

Maximum $2,565.45 (150% of AWE)

Section 103FA(5) – Legal Advice or Representation at Mediation

Maximum $1,710.30 (AWE)

Claimant kilometre allowance for use of own vehicle

The suggested rate is 39 cents per kilometre.

The Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) figures for 2023 (v1.0 – October 2022)