On 9 March 2017, the New South Wales Legislative Council
Standing Committee on Law and Justice (the Committee) released its
first review of the Workers Compensation Scheme (the Scheme). The
Committee oversees, among other things, the Workers Compensation
scheme in New South Wales.
In 2012, significant changes were made to the dispute resolution
processes of the Scheme. The power of the Workers Compensation
Commission to deal with all disputes in relation
to a workers entitlement to statutory compensation was taken away.
Work Capacity Decisions were to be dealt with through a 'quick
and simple administrative' review process. All other disputes,
such as disputes as to level of permanent impairment, medical
disputes, and liability disputes were to remain within the
jurisdiction [in the realm] of the Workers Compensation
Commission.
