WCC e-Bulletin No. 62 - October 2015

Change to procedure for future medical treatment disputes

By proclamation on 7 October 2015, the Governor of NSW has appointed
16 October 2015 as the day on which the amendment to section 60(5) of the 1987 Act commences.

As amended, section 60(5) provides:

_{The jurisdiction of the Commission with respect to a dispute about compensation under this section extends to a dispute concerning any proposed treatment or service and the compensation that will be payable under this section in respect of any such proposed treatment or service.  Any such dispute may be referred by the Registrar for assessment under Part 7 (Medical assessment) of Chapter 7 of the 1998 Act.}

From 16 October 2015, the Commission will refer all disputes concerning proposed treatment or services to an Arbitrator for determination according to law.  There is still an option to refer disputes to Approved Medical Specialists, although it is expected that this will only be in limited circumstances.

Workers Compensation Seminars

The Commission is holding free information seminars for legal practitioners and insurance personnel throughout November 2015.

The seminars will be presented by Arbitrators and senior members of staff and will provide participants with insights, practical information, updates on practice and procedure, and the impact of recent legislative amendments and decisions.

Venue dates and locations are:

Seating is limited and bookings are essential.  Register now at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WQRG839

Client surveys

The Commission has recently engaged an independent research firm, New Focus,
to undertake client satisfaction surveys. The surveys will help the Commission to understand clients’ expectations and experiences, and identify opportunities for service delivery improvements.  Workers, employers, insurers and legal representatives will be included in the survey group.  Requests to participate in the survey will be notified by email or by post.  Surveys will mainly be completed online although a proportion will also be conducted by telephone.

Survey responses will be anonymous and participation is voluntary.  The privacy of individuals will be protected and personal information provided to New Focus will be treated in strict confidence.

New Focus will adhere to the Market and Social Research Privacy Code. More information regarding the privacy code can be accessed at: www.oaic.gov.au

Concurrent to the surveys conducted by New Focus, the Commission will be trialling onsite surveys of workers at the conclusion of proceedings at the Commission’s Oxford Street premises.  As with the other surveys, participation is voluntary, responses will be anonymous and personal information will remain confidential.

Judge Greg Keating

President