Insurer Report

At the ASIEQ forum on 14 March 2012, Review Unit Team Leader, Cass Rose explained that Q-COMP would be producing a number of policies relating to procedural fairness, information release and extensions. These policies have now been finalised and have been circulated to all insurers. Further copies are available at qcomp.com.au, from your Insurer Advisor or from Cass Rose.

 

The policies relating to procedural fairness and extensions are relevant for workers, employers and their representatives.

 

The policy relating to information release between Q-COMP and insurers is relevant for both WorkCover and self insurers, and provides minimum standards for the release of statutory and common law claims information by Q-COMP to insurers in accordance with section 573A of the Act. It outlines the procedures for release of information and submissions that have been made to Q-COMP to insurers.

 

Following is a summary of the changes that affect self insurers:

 

• New information provided at review will be released to the self insured employer in accordance with procedural fairness principles in their role as the representative of the employer (the other party to the review). An appropriate timeframe for a response will be nominated by the Review Officer.
• Requests for documents in accordance with section 573(3A) from insurers will be actioned by our Legal Services team. This change has occurred as this section of the Act falls under Chapter 14 - Miscellaneous and does not relate specifically to Chapter 13 - Review and Appeals. Requests of this nature will not delay the review process.

 

These policies will ensure a fair, prompt and transparent review process for all parties.