Queensland begins workers' compensation review

Queensland begins workers’ compensation review

27 February 2023

An independent review of the Queensland workers’ compensation scheme will include an examination of its performance, how psychological injuries are managed and other emerging issues.

The review, to be completed by June 30, will be undertaken by former Queensland Industrial Relations Commissioner Glenys Fisher and Griffith University Emeritus Professor of Employment Relations David Peetz.

Head of the Office of Industrial Relations Kym Bancroft says a review must be carried out every five years under the legislation.

“My office wants to ensure injured workers continue to receive the compensation and support they need to return to work as soon as possible, and that the scheme remains one of the best in the country,” Ms Bancroft said.

“Ms Fisher and Professor Peetz will consult with key scheme stakeholders including registered industrial organisations, peak legal bodies, scheme insurers, and medical and allied health groups.”

Recommendations from the 2018 review resulted in reforms such as free early intervention, treatment and support for psychological injuries until the claim is decided.

The Office of Industrial Relations says the review also led to exempting employers’ apologies from any assessment of liability, which encourages employers to send an expression of sympathy, showing an injured work that they are cared about and helping to resolve disputes.