Workers Compensation Commission guidelines for media representatives

Arbitration hearings and appeal hearings against the decision of an Arbitrator are open to the media and the public unless the Commission orders otherwise. This document provides information for media in relation to attendance at arbitration hearings and appeal hearings against the decision of an Arbitrator.

Policy

Introduction

These Guidelines apply to Commission’s arbitration hearings and appeal hearings against the decision of an Arbitrator. These proceedings are open to the media and the public unless the Commission orders otherwise. Mediation and conciliations are conducted in private and are not open to the public or media.

Hearing lists

Arbitrator appeal hearings as well as arbitration hearings lists are also published daily on electronic boards at the Commission’s premises on Level 21, 1 Oxford St Darlinghurst.

Media access to the Commission

Media representatives are asked to respect the privacy and rights of other parties, representatives and witnesses who are attending the Commission’s premises.

Electronic recording including filming and still photography of the Commission’s hearing rooms and public areas (Floors 19, 20 and 21 at 1 Oxford St Darlinghurst) is not permitted without the prior permission of the President or Registrar. As a general rule, filming to illustrate a decision by a Commission Arbitrator or Presidential member for the purposes of a daily news story will not be permitted.

Media attendance at Commission hearings

Media representatives are welcome to attend Commission hearings in order to assist them report on Commission decisions. Please check with the Level 21 Concierge before visiting a hearing room in the Commission to ensure that the matter being heard is open to the public and the media. Seating is ordinarily available in the back row of the Commission’s hearing rooms. Standing in Commission hearing rooms whilst proceedings are conducted is not permitted.

Media representatives are asked to ensure they respect the Commission’s obligation to conduct proceedings in a fair, independent and professional manner. Media representatives are asked to comply with the following whilst attending Commission hearings:

  • Electronic recording of Commission hearings including filming, photography or audio recording is not permitted;
  • Mobile devices must be turned off;
  • Talking and whispering loudly in the hearing room whilst matters are being heard is not permitted; and
  • Eating and drinking is not permitted.

Media representatives who do not comply with these guidelines and disrupt proceedings will be asked to leave the hearing room by the presiding Presidential member or Arbitrator.

Difficulties in observing a public hearing (either an Arbitration hearing or an appeal to Presidential member) should be raised with the Commission’s Registrar.

Access to Transcripts

Transcripts from appeal hearings are available from the Commission. The Commission may charge a fee.

Access to Commission decisions

The Commission publishes many of its decisions on its website. Please contact the Commission’s Registrar if you are seeking access to an unpublished decision of the Commission.

Decision summaries

From time to time, the Commission may publish a précis or decision summary to assist the media in reporting upon a particular Commission decision.

Interviews

Members of the Commission and staff cannot comment on specific decisions, however Commission representatives may provide public comment and interviews as appropriate. Interviews should be arranged through the Commission’s Registrar.

Media Contact

Media representatives should direct their enquiries to Rod Parsons, Registrar on (02) 8281 6403 or by email to  [email protected].

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