Workers compensation disputes will be resolved more quickly and efficiently thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s new arbitration service – helping workers get back on their feet as soon as possible.
The new arbitration service to be established within the Accident Compensation Conciliation Service, will be rebranded as the Workplace Injury Commission and begin operating from 1 September.
The service will give injured workers an additional dispute resolution option without the need to go through a long and costly court process.
The changes deliver the Victorian Ombudsman recommendation to introduce a new dispute resolution process which allows for inexpensive, timely and binding determinations on the merits of claims decisions.
Many injured workers are deterred by the cost, time and complexity of court proceedings, making this path to dispute resolution lengthy and stressful.
Under the new service, injured workers can choose to have their matter arbitrated by the Workplace Injury Commission if it is not resolved at conciliation.
A hearing must start within 30 days of the dispute being referred so the process can be timely and inexpensive.
The Workplace Injury Commission will have powers to make binding determinations on disputes, including compensation for weekly earnings, medical expenses, superannuation payments or interest payable.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt
“The new arbitration service will save injured workers money, time and stress by resolving their compensation disputes in a simpler and cheaper manner – meaning fairer outcomes for all Victorian employers and workers.”
“Victorians injured at work will be able to focus on their recovery and getting back on their feet and back to work faster, rather than dealing with the stress of spending time and money on complex court proceedings.”
Reviewed 13 July 2022