Arbitration: The alternative dispute process for Workcover disputes in Victoria

In 2022, a new process was established to assist in the expeditious resolution of the ever-growing number of WorkCover disputes in Victoria. The new process was designed to be an easier and faster way for workers to resolve their dispute with the WorkCover insurer without the need to go to court. The arbitration decision would be final and binding on all parties.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ARBITRATION IN WORKCOVER MATTERS?

In order to refer a dispute to arbitration, the following criteria must be met:

1. The injury must have been sustained on or after 1 September 2022;
2. A genuine dispute certificate has been issued through the conciliation process;
3. The genuine dispute certificate must be no more than 60 days at the time of lodgement of the arbitration request;