Edition No.78
This edition was issued on 23 January 2025
Welcome
Welcome to 2025. I hope you all had a restful and refreshing break.
With continued strong filings across the workers compensation and motor accidents divisions, the year is shaping up as yet another busy one.
Late in 2024 the Commission commenced the 500-page rule. The response from all practitioners and users was very pleasing, it was a very efficient and smooth start for this new rule. I would invite everyone to refresh their knowledge of the rule, there is a dedicated link on our website containing all the information you need.
This week, we held our annual credential meeting with the Law Society of NSW, reaffirming our shared commitment to strengthen collaboration and ensuring alignment on legal practice standards, professional accreditation and regulatory compliance in personal injury law. It was a pleasure to meet the newly appointed Law Society President, Ms Jennifer Ball. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Law Society in 2025.
The first six months of 2025 will see quite a deal of recruitment activity in the workers compensation space. I will be advertising for a new Principal Member – Division Head Police Officer Support Scheme (dual appointment workers compensation), a full-time member and at least one sessional member role. Keep an eye out for the advertisements in PIC News.
Elsewhere in this edition you will find updates on our Pathway platform, artificial intelligence and some helpful information on getting to the Commission.
I wish you all a successful and engaging 2025.
Regards,
Judge Gerard Phillips
President
Pathway updates
Our platform is award-winning
Last December, our Pathway platform proudly took home the Department of Customer Service (DCS) Award for Excellence in Digital Delivery. The award recognises DCS projects that have developed innovative solutions, transformed customer experiences and driven meaningful change for our communities.
Launched in June 2023 for Motor Accidents and in June 2024 for Workers Compensation, Pathway is now the Commission’s single digital dispute resolution platform. Designed with user convenience in mind, it simplifies the dispute process and brings together injured people, legal representatives, insurers, decision-makers and Commission staff to effectively manage dispute resolution on a single platform.
Upcoming security enhancements
As stewards of the data and digital experience on the Pathway platform, we are committed to ensuring the highest level of security and safety for our users.
With cyber security top of mind, we are undergoing continuous security updates and enhancements to stay ahead of emerging threats. Users will already have seen the introduction of “bot” detection using ReCAPTCHA with several other key updates on the way including:
- stronger password requirements
- industry best practice authentication using an authenticator app and
- improvements to delegate assignments.
Access Pathway learning materials and information
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
On 21 November 2024, the Chief Justice issued the NSW Supreme Court’s Generative AI Practice Note and Judicial Guidelines. In December 2024, the District Court adopted this document as its approach to AI.
Both Courts’ approach to AI commences on 3 February 2025 along with associated amendments to the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules (UCPR).
The Commission will be following this approach.
Appeals and applications for judicial review of Commission decisions are heard in the Supreme Court and it is thus necessary that the Commission’s approach to this topic is the same. Certain matters may also proceed to the District Court. Once the UCPR amendment is available the Commission will be reviewing and looking to adopt that provision in the Commission Rules.
In summary, there will be a Rule amendment, an AI Procedural Direction and associated changes to the requirements placed on all of the Commission’s decision makers consistent with the Judicial Guidelines. These will not be ready by 3 February 2025 but will be implemented during the first quarter of 2025. Once drafts have been completed, they will be made available in PIC News and on the Commission website.
It is important for practitioners and users to be aware of these upcoming changes and prepare evidence in cases (lay and expert) accordingly.
Access the Supreme Court's documents on generative AI
Getting to the Commission
It has been raised that due to occasional mapping errors, visitors may experience difficulty locating the Commission hearing rooms and medical suites.
To ensure there is no confusion when locating us, please note that
- our official address is: 1 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst NSW
- our building is located opposite Hyde Park
- the closest train station is Museum station
- the entrance to 1 Oxford Street is on the intersection of Wentworth Ave, Oxford St and Liverpool St.
If you or a claimant has trouble finding us, feel free to call us at 1800 PIC NSW (1800 742 679) and we will be able to guide you.
We understand that claimants may be frustrated if they are not able to find us easily and have been working hard in the background to contact mapping platforms and ensure our address is pinned correctly.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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