Member Benefits (General Overview)
MEMBER BENEFITS (GENERAL OVERVIEW)
For MSD Use Only – All Benefit Queries Must Be Referred to Member Admin
Purpose
This article provides MSOs with a clear, high-level summary of all HSU member benefits.
It outlines:
What benefits exist
Basic eligibility
What MSD is responsible for
When to refer to Member Admin
This article is not a replacement for the detailed benefits guide.
MSD’s role is limited to providing general guidance and directing the member appropriately.
Important Reminder – Always Refer Member Benefit Questions to Member Admin
If a member asks about any benefit, you must say:
“That’s a member benefit, so Member Admin handles those enquiries. I’ll transfer you now.”
Or for inbox:
“I’ve forwarded your enquiry to Member Admin who can assist you further.”
MSD does not manage or approve member benefits.
Eligibility Rules (Apply to All Benefits)
All benefits require the member to be:
✔ Financial
✔ Have made at least one payment
✔ Meet any specific waiting periods (e.g., 3 months for legal services)
Benefits stop immediately if membership becomes unfinancial.
MSD Quick Rules for Benefit Enquiries
MSD DOES:
✔ Process legal and will referrals
✔ Direct members to correct benefit pathway
✔ Confirm financial status for referral eligibility
✔ Support members facing industrial matters
MSD DOES NOT:
✘ Process benefit claims (Ambulance, Bereavement, Wellbeing Package, etc.)
✘ Answer detailed benefit questions
✘ Advise members on benefit eligibility
✘ Provide claim forms or explain required documents
All benefit questions must be referred to Member Admin
SUMMARY OF ALL HSU MEMBER BENEFITS
Below is a simple breakdown you can read at a glance.
This section is for MSD awareness only — all enquiries go to Member Admin.
1. Ambulance Cover
Covers emergency ambulance services within Australia (except QLD).
Excludes members with alternative coverage (private health, CTP, etc.).
Annual limit: $5,000.
Requires statutory declaration, invoice, and HSU claim form.
Refer questions to Member Admin.
2. Bereavement Payment
$5,000 payment to next of kin.
Member must be financial and aged 69 or under at time of death.
Suicide excluded for first 13 months of membership.
Next of kin must submit certified documents and claim form.
MSD should not assist with bereavement documents — refer to Member Admin.
3. Foundation House (Drug, alcohol, and gambling support)
28-day residential program
Counselling and support programs
Members can access directly or via HSU referral
General questions → Member Admin.
4. Indigenous Development Fund
Grants $2,000–$10,000 to Indigenous community projects
Annual application cycle
All enquiries → Member Admin.
5. Jervis Bay Holiday Cabins
Self-contained holiday cabins for members
Member Admin handles:
Bookings
Pricing
Availability
Minimum stays
Cancellations
Always refer Jervis Bay enquiries to Member Admin.
6. Journey Insurance
Covers injuries occurring on travel to/from work
Income support up to 85% of weekly wage (capped at $1,500/week)
Benefit period up to 104 weeks
Multiple exclusions (pre-existing conditions, intoxication, etc.)
Questions about claims → Member Admin.
7. Legal Support Workers Compensation
Members can be referred to our Partner law firms if needing assistance with workers compensation matters
This support is funded by the Independent Review Office (IRO) so members should not be charged
If members already engaged a non-HSU solicitor and are seeking to change then any costs may need to be discussed with the law firm
Referral required (MSD role)
MSD Still provides assistance for return to work and other employment matters during the workers compensation process
MSD processes referrals
8. Member Advantage Discounts
Discounts with 90+ major retailers (Coles, Bunnings, Woolworths, etc.)
Online portal + user guide
Members access directly through the website
Password/access issues → Member Admin.
9. Member Services Division (Industrial Support)
Case management
Representation
Industrial advice
Tribunal advocacy
This section is MSD’s domain.
No redirect required.
11. Professional Indemnity Insurance
Covers professional liability when employer cannot or does not provide coverage
Limit of liability:
$20 million per claim
$80 million aggregate
Covers “claims made basis” only
Many professional exclusions apply (e.g., medical officers)
All questions must go to Member Admin.
12. Public Liability Insurance
Covers members for third-party personal injury or property damage during relevant activities.
Includes exclusions for high-risk or unrelated work.
Benefit questions → Member Admin.
13. Australian Mutual Bank Discounts
Home loan, personal loan, and credit card discounts
Fee waivers
Dedicated contact person
Administered externally — refer members to Member Admin.
All enquiries → Member Admin.
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