PIC Member reviewed evidence relevant for economic loss and determined that the claim was lacking in substance.

The decision in Bridgefoot adds to the collection of somewhat conflicting Review Panel decisions on this issue.

The decision clarifies that "earnings" only refers to income paid for a claimant's work or services, excluding payments for redundancy or lack of notice.

A shoulder injury from treatment was linked to the motor accident as a non-threshold injury, but higher court clarity is needed.

In recent case the PIC Review Panel ruled the accident materially caused the need for spinal surgery, which was reasonable & necessary.

Discusses recent insurance case where claimant's accident was caused by a medical episode.

Amendment to prohibit vilification on the basis of religious belief, affiliation or activity.

The Review Panel determined the only injuries the Claimant sustained are soft tissue injuries.

Where a Claimant provides inconsistent history, their evidence to be carefully compared to the contemporaneous evidence.

Case study of how a Merit Reviewer will evaluate evidence in order to assess whether a claimant has discharged the onus on them to establish that they are an earner.

S54 Personal Injury Commission Act provides that PIC proceedings may be dismissed if they are frivolous & vexatious & otherwise misconceived. Recent case example.

Recent decision is important for both insurers & claimants.

Case shows behavioural outcome does not in itself constitute a recognisable psychological or psychiatric illness.

Recent decision makes it clear that the section 6.24 obligation to co-operate with the Insurer is mandatory.

A claimant who suffers mental harm may claim both damages & statutory benefits, provided they meet certain requirements.

In recent case claimant met her duty under s2.30(2)MAI Act, as she acted reasonably & promptly despite not recording the at-fault vehicle's details.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has introduced the Equal Opportunity Amendment (Work from Home) Bill 2026, which would create a statutory right for employees to work from home at least two days per week, where it is reasonable to do so.

A claimant may only recover the cost of treatment if it is both "reasonable & necessary" & related to the injuries caused by the accident.

Provisions relating to physical threshold injuries must be read together.

The test of causation in involves both medical and factual questions. Recent personal injury case discussed.