Protect employer members
Log in to the new employer portal
We've totally revamped the Protect employer portal! Protect contacts have been emailed about use of the new system, advising of the designated primary user for each employer account and the need to reset your access by generating a new password at the 'forgot password' link. Please refer to messages sent to you throughout June and July for further details and answers to portal FAQs are below.
Use the orange 'employer login' button at the top of each page of this website to securely access your online account. For assistance please email our Member Services Team
The designated Protect account manager
The Protect employer portal allows for multiple levels of administrative access. Each account has been assigned a manager known as the 'primary user'. The primary may add others to the account as 'contacts'. Contacts may be assigned full or partial access to account management features.
How many primary users can there be?
User roles allow just one primary per account.
Can we change our primary user?
Yes. The primary user has the capacity to transfer the role to a contact. This action would then change their own access to a contact.
How do I add a contact?
To add a contact, select 'employer details' from the left portal menu and then 'new contact' from the far right top of page. For further information, view the guides on using the new system linked on your dashboard.
How many contacts can there be?
As many as your account requires.
What is the difference between a primary user and a contact with full account access?
Only the primary user may assign access to the employer portal and the permission levels of account management for that contact.
How do I know who our primary user is?
All Protect employers were emailed on Wednesday 29 June with the details of each account's primary user. However, if you can't access that information, simply email our Member Services Team and we can identify the email address designated as primary for you.
how do i remove a contact?
If you wish to remove the access of one of your contacts, you can select that contact and then the 'archive' option at the bottom of the page.
The IT system that powers the employer portal was updated on 5 July 2022. From that date, all users of our online services were required to reset their own personal access.
With the update comes a change to login procedure. There used to be one set of login credentials per employer account. That has now been changed to allow for multiple levels of administrative access, and each user must now set their own password.
If you're the primary user
If your email address has been designated as the primary user of your account, please select the 'forgot password' link at the employer portal and follow the prompts to generate a new password.
If you're a contact
If the account primary user has added you as a Protect account contact, you will be emailed a link to set yourself a password.
No - just one password
You only need to set one password even if you are the primary user, or contact, for multiple Protect accounts.
How do I manage multiple accounts with only one log in?
Once you are logged in, look to the right of screen. You will find the name of the employer account you are logged in to in a box on the top blue bar - next to your name. Click the drop down arrow to reveal the additional accounts that you have access to. Select the account name you which to switch to and the dashboard will change to your chosen account.
On your dashboard
Guides to assist you navigate the new portal are linked for you under 'Employer Help Videos' on the dashboard of your account, the first screen after log in.
Under 'correspondence'
Annual employer statements can be accessed by selecting the 'correspondence' tab on the portal left hand menu and then 'documents'.
The 'correspondence' area will become populated by any emails that we send you, 'documents' will be saved for files.
Making severance contributions to Protect assures workers that their entitlements are protected should their job be made redundant. This provides a major benefit to employers by encouraging a secure and productive work environment. Contributing to Protect not only allows you to manage your legal and industrial worker redundancy obligations, but also provides tax advantages and steady cash flow management.
Who is eligible for Protect coverage?
Only people registered by a Protect contributing employer can become worker members of Protect. An industrial agreement determines the eligibility of those workers.
What about casuals and apprentices?
The vast majority of Protect employers who contribute severance and/or income protection for their full time employees, must also contribute for their casual employees. For casual employees to be excluded from the entitlement, generally there must be an express exclusion contained in the wording of your certified agreement.
Agreements that include income protection for non-apprentices will usually also include it for apprentices. Entitlement to severance contributions however, depends on the Agreement. In the electrical contracting industry, for example, it's usually only after completing an apprenticeship that a worker is entitled to receive severance payments.
How much severance am I required to contribute on behalf of my employees?
The amount of severance each employer is required to contribute is determined by an industrial agreement.
For the electrical industry, National Electrical Communications Association can advise the contribution amounts you should be paying to us on behalf of your employees.
Contact the NECA office in your state:
- Victoria: 03 9645 5533
- Tasmania: 03 6236 3600
- South Australia: 08 8272 2966
- Western Australia: 08 6241 6100
Employers in other industries should contact our Employer Relations Officer or the Member Services Team on 1300 344 249 for assistance.
How often do I need to make severance contributions?
Contributions are payable monthly in arrears. Payments are due on the first day of the following month, and must be paid by the 14th day of that month (for example, the November contribution is due on 1 December and payable by 14 December).
How do I manage and pay my severance contributions?
Contribution returns are managed online through your secure Protect account, accessible at the orange 'employer login' button at the top of each page of this website. Easily keep track of your contributions to ensure that you are up to date.
How do I ensure my workers can access their severance account as quickly as possible?
Providing employees with an appropriately completed Centrelink Employment Separation Certificate on termination will assist us in processing members’ severance claim in a timely manner. Alternately, terminations and redundancies can also be confirmed via your online employer account.
Further resources:
Protect administers Australia's best personal income protection insurance cover for ATC Insurance Solutions. We cover workers across a range of industries in the event of non-work related serious injury or illness. The cover is global, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Having your employees covered reduces the pressure on employers to provide leave in advance, or other financial assistance, to employees during times of non-work related illness and injury. Also eliminating requirements to pay out employees’ sick leave balances beyond the normal policy waiting period.
Our extensive list of benefits ensures the best support for worker recovery, providing your employees with the confidence of cover and the security to recover, so they can focus on the job. Insurance claims are assessed and processed in a swift manner to ensure your team is well looked after throughout any difficult periods.
In addition to competitive rates, we also offer the ability to extend cover to include directors and administrative staff not employed under a certified industrial agreement.
Arrange a site visit by our Field Officers to brief you and your team on the benefits of our income protection insurance by calling the Member Services Team on 1300 344 249.
Protect provides great financial security and peace of mind for your employees and helps employers to retain key staff. You know if you have an injured employee who is off work long-term and covered by Protect, you are not going to lose that employee. When they are fit, they will return to work because Protect has seen them through.
Gavin McKay
Managing Director, Gordon McKay Pty Ltd
What happens if one of my workers gets sick or injured?
If one of your employees becomes sick or injured while a Protect worker member, they may be eligible to make an income protection insurance claim. Importantly, they do not have to exhaust all of their leave entitlements before accessing their Protect insurance.
Claim forms:
- Injury & Sickness Claim Form
- Accidental Dental Injury Claim Form
- Accidental Death Claim Form
- Funeral Benefit Claim Form
A section of the Injury & Sickness Claim Form must be completed by the employer and includes information on the employment and earning status of your worker.
Protect Field Officers can assist with any queries relating to submitting an insurance claim. Please advise your worker to make contact as soon as possible. Family or support persons are also welcome to call our Field Officers directly or via our Member Services Team on 1300 344 249.
Once a claim has been submitted and accepted by the insurer, your worker will be provided a case manager that will step them through the process and coverage, including potential for additional benefits such as lump sum payments, emergency home help and domestic duties assistance.
Further resources:
- Employer IP brochure
- Electrical, Rail & Lift
Standard Injury & Illness Cover - Fire Rescue
Fire Rescue Injury & Illness Cover - Maritime
Maritime Injury & Illness Cover - Metals / Manufacturing
AMWU Injury Cover - Civil Construction
AWU Injury Cover
For a copy of the Protect Injury and Sickness Wording and Product Disclosure Statement please contact ATC Insurance Solutions.
Protect’s free counselling service, available to all employees currently receiving severance or income protection contributions, provides your employees many of the benefits of an employer funded Employee Assistance Program at no cost to your organisation.
All Protect members - employers, workers and their immediate family - are eligible for the free confidential service.
Dedicated counselling phone number: 1300 725 881
Improved mental health leads to good organisational wellbeing and increased business performance. When people are well, they’re able to develop their potential, work productively, build positive relationships with others, cope with the normal stresses of life, and make a meaningful contribution. Employee wellbeing can help to reverse burnout and reduce stress, turnover, and absenteeism.
Members may access the service for personal or work-related concerns. It operates Australia wide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a team of professionals independent of Protect. Delivered by Hunterlink - a major Australian provider of personal support programs for workplaces - via a free phone service. Free face-to-face sessions at an independent location are also available, as well as on-site counselling services in response to emergency situations and critical incidents.
Additionally, members may access the Protect Hunterlink online counselling portal which houses newsletters, printable resources and factsheets on relatable topics such as:
- Workplace Change
- Family and Relationships
- Mental Health
- Social Isolation
- Workplace conflict
Password: protect
Please note - the portal is part of Protect's overall counselling services offering however, we strongly encourage those in need to call 1300 725 881 (free call) as first priority.
Protect Counselling is a service for individuals seeking support, as well as for employers and workers wanting advice on the best method to assist colleagues dealing with a range of concerns.
How do I access Protect Counselling?
Call Protect Counselling on 1300 725 881 (free call) for immediate access to our independent counselling service.
How much will it cost?
Nothing. Protect Counselling services are free of charge to all Protect employers, workers and their immediate family members.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No medical referral is necessary.
Will I remain anonymous?
Protect Counselling services are strictly confidential, with no requirement to identify yourself when calling. As such, no other individual needs to be aware of your use of the service.
What can I expect when I call?
An immediate response from a highly trained team of independent professionals. A Critical Incident Response can also be organised where required for situations including workplace trauma, road trauma, life-threatening situations etc.
Can I meet a counsellor near me?
Yes, Protect Counselling has access to more than 170 qualified professionals throughout Australia, including regional centres. Both male and female counsellors are available.
Can my family use this service?
Yes. The Protect Counselling professionals offer coaching, advice and support for you and your immediate family.
How do I recognise a depressed or anxious person?
People experiencing anxiety or depression will find it difficult to function. You may notice that they appear lost, irritable, miserable, and/or withdrawing from family and friends.
Further resources:
Severance
Download
Brochures
Claim Information
Members are encouraged to log in to their personal accounts, online or via the App, to lodge severance and redundancy claims.
Wellbeing Services
Protect Counselling: 1300 725 881
ADA 'A Friendly Ear': 1800 232 287
Download
Brochure: Protect Counselling
Flyer: ADA Protect Hub
Income Protection
Download
Brochures
- Employer IP brochure
- Standard Injury & Illness Cover
- Fire Rescue Injury & Illness Cover
- Maritime Injury & Illness Cover
- AMWU Injury Cover
- AWU Injury Cover
Claim Forms
- Injury & Sickness Claim Form
- Accidental Dental Injury Claim Form
- Accidental Death Claim Form
- Funeral Benefit Claim Form
General
Download
1,200+ participating employer members
Protect employers make severance payments and/or income protection premiums to us on behalf of employees in accordance with an industrial agreement. Offering these benefits encourages a secure and productive work environment.
Protect provides employees with peace of mind. The reality is that a protected workforce is a more productive workforce. Joining Protect boosts employee recruitment and retention efforts.
Peter Smith
Protect employer representative
For further support contact
Employer Relations Manager
Joyce Simitzis
0458 028 326
jsimitzis@protect.net.au
Industrial Compliance Coordinator
Glenn Janes
0419 556 571
gjanes@protect.net.au
Protect member services team
1300 344 249
info@protect.net.au
Testimonials
Protect were really sympathetic. They even called me just to see how I was, how my family and friends were coping and how legal proceeding were going. They were genuinely interested and really helpful.
The service we get is second to none. And you get the best options all from the one severance account type now. That’s less paperwork and less stress if you happen to be made redundant without notice.
Our Protect cover is one of the greatest things the UFU have done for us. It's security for not only us but our families as well. It gave me the opportunity to focus on rehab and get back on the truck as quickly as possible.
Dealing with Protect in a stressful time was no problem. Their focus was making sure my wellbeing was taken care of and I was comfortable during my recovery from my accident. Thanks Protect and thanks MUA.
Just wanted to say thank you for all your help over the last few months and allowing me to put a roof over my family’s head and food on the table. It has been a stressful time, but I am very glad to get back to work.
Protect is reassurance. Although your working life has come to a halt, you can still manage to pay your bills. I've used my income protection a few times over many many years and every single time it's been fantastic.
When the company went into liquidation, I was so lucky to have my Protect account, it was honestly a lifesaver. It gave me the ability to take a breather and plan for where I wanted to head in the future.
It says a lot for Protect that you have a whole team that are there for the workers, that have members interests at heart.
I wish to thank you for having the scheme and giving me peace of mind during my employment with Metro Trains.
Every Protect staff member I’ve dealt with have been super efficient, polite and helpful from start to finish. Personally, I can’t have wished for kinder and quicker treatment... you’re the best!
I was able to fully concentrate on my recovery without the pressure of financial concerns. I cannot speak highly enough about the assistance and ongoing support that I have received from Protect.
I’ve been able to claim a tax free redundancy and you can do it all on your phone using the App. You don’t have to speak to anybody to lodge your claim, check your account or view your membership card.
Protect allowed me time to concentrate on recovery. My case manager was extremely helpful. All I had to provide was a doctors certificate to get the ball rolling, then everything was processed very quickly.
Income protection insurance takes the stress out of everything, if you don’t have to worry about money you can concentrate on getting better. Because we’ve all got bills to pay.
It's not an easy path dealing with injury or illness. With Protect, you actually get given a case manager, so they help you the whole journey, instead of you just bluffing your way along.
Having our severance balance secured with Protect means our benefits can't be used as a bargaining chip in workplace negotiations.
I just wanted to thank you very much for all your help, you made this process stress free and easy. Thanks a lot.
Because my injury happened on the road I went through TAC and thought I had to take a hit on income support, but thanks to Protect's advice and assistance I am receiving more financial support while recovering.
At my age it would be hard to get another full time job if I’m made redundant, there’s more casual work in the industry now. So the Protect account is like a nest egg isn’t it, it can be very, very handy.
I've tried to get income protection privately and couldn't get covered, firefighters have just too high a risk a job, so to have Protect cover is absolutely invaluable. I used that instead of chewing through my leave.
I’m 100% behind Protect. They met with my wife when I was in hospital and organised everything. We would like to thank you for all your help through a hugely stressful time.
Protect income protection insurance is the best thing to happen to the fire industry for many years. My experience accessing it was fantastic and the follow up was also extremely welcome. I was very impressed.
This level of income protection for firefighters simply wouldn’t be possible if you were attempting to negotiate a policy one out. Sticking together to negotiate certainly increases your bargaining power.
Under Protect’s umbrella, I was able to keep my head up while I did my rehab knowing
I could still provide for my family while out of work for six months. I am now back on the job and back to normal.
Protect looked after me like gold, helped me with my paperwork and even when I was back at work, they still rang to see how I was going. Not many people do that.
We swapped to Protect for severance because of the better benefits, easier access to your money and injury and dental cover. I have the Field Team’s numbers on speed dial, the support is great.
Income protection payments with Protect cover you for two years. When something like this (injury) turns your life upside down, the best thing you can do is make sure you’ve got good cover like Protect.
I would like to thank Protect for going above and beyond the call of duty, to make the seamless transition through what is a stressful time, back rehabilitated 100% and into the workforce, on full duties.
Protect's severance account is so important because our industry is insecure. When we’re out of work it gives us that time to get into another job without having to worry about bills.
We couldn't do our role unless we were 100% fit, you'd be putting your crew at risk. My claim was reviewed, accepted and taken care of in a few days, it was all really seamless and comforting in the end.
I found Protect was easy to use. They were helpful, understanding and I didn’t feel rushed. This stopped me stressing and allowed me to focus on my recovery and getting back to work.
We’d heard some very positive outcomes that had happened with Protect. We like the relationship with Field Officers means that there is a team available to support us when we need it.
