The Workers’ Compensation Regulator is responsible for undertaking reviews of decisions and managing appeals under Chapter 13 of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.  This function is subsequently delegated and undertaken by the Office of Industrial Relations.

The Office of Industrial Relations is independent of WorkCover Queensland and self-insurers. It is an independent decision maker.

If you are unhappy with an insurer’s decision on a claim, you can seek a review. Reviews of decisions made by an insurer are conducted by the Office of Industrial Relations on behalf of the Workers’ Compensation Regulator.

If you are unhappy with the review decision, you can appeal it. The Office of Industrial Relations will manage the appeal on behalf of the Workers’ Compensation Regulator.

Review of decision

A worker, claimant or employer can apply to the Office of Industrial Relations for a review of some decisions of insurers. The review service is free, however should you engage a solicitor to help you prepare your review application you will be responsible for this cost.

The review process does not involve an investigation or process of inquiry.  It is an administrative review, on the papers, to see whether an independent review officer, given the same information as the original decision-maker, will independently reach the same, or a different, conclusion.

Some decisions that can be reviewed:

• the decision to accept or reject a claim
• the decision to end compensation payments or increase or decrease compensation payment amounts
• the failure to make a decision on a claim within 20 business days from when the claim was lodged.

When an insurer has made a decision on a claim, you can ask the insurer for a reason for decision document within 20 business days of being notified of the decision. This document will outline the insurer made the decision. The insurer has five business days to supply you with this document. Once you've received the reason for decision, if you are still unhappy with the decision, you'll be able to proceed with a review. A review must be lodged with the Office of Industrial Relations within three months of receiving the insurers written reasons for their decision.

Use the below links to learn more or lodge your review application.

More information

Contact the Office of Industrial Relations for more information.

Phone

Call 1300 739 021

Fax

For Reviews (07) 3020 6375
For Appeals (07) 3020 6309

Email

For Reviews reviewunit@qcomp.com.au
For Appeals appeals@qcomp.com.au

Mail

Reviews and Appeals Unit
Office of Industrial Relations
GPO Box 10119
Adelaide Street
BRISBANE  QLD  4000

The Queensland Government also provides funding to peak worker and employer groups to provide an independent advisory and education service for Queensland workers and employers on workers’ compensation issues. For assistance, contact:

Queensland Council of Unions (QCU)

Operated by the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU), the workers’ advisory service was established to assist Queensland workers understand their rights and entitlements under the workers’ compensation scheme in Queensland.

Contact the QCU

Website: Queensland Council of Unions (QCU)
Phone: (07) 3010 2555

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ)

Operated by the Chamber of Commerce  and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), the employers' advisory service was established  to enable an improved level of understanding of the workers compensation  process to Queensland employers.

Website: Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ)
Phone: 1300 365 855
Email: workcoverinfo@cciq.com.au