Q-COMP defends the review decision in the Queensland Industrial
Relations Commission. One of our appeals officers may call you to
discuss Q-COMP's position on the appeal-please nominate an
appropriate contact person within your business.
If the matter goes to a hearing, Q-COMP will engage an
experienced barrister. You may seek your own legal advice at your
expense.
If you want to appear and be heard at the proceeding in a
worker's appeal, you have to apply to the Commission. You need to
show that there is a good reason for you to appear and make
representations at the hearing. You should seek legal advice if you
are thinking about applying to be heard in the appeal.
The first time the appeal goes before a Commissioner is for a
'mention' or 'callover' to see if all parties are ready to set a
hearing date. But not to determine the appeal. You only need to
attend the mention or callover if you are applying to be heard in
the appeal. Many appeals are settled without a hearing. It may be
several months before a case is heard in the Commission.
Managers or staff called as witnesses will be issued attendance
notices with the hearing time and place. An appeals officer will
contact you beforehand to discuss the case. Anyone who is not a
witness can watch from the public gallery.
You or your representative should be at the hearing to answer
any questions from the Commission or Q-COMP. Our appeals officer
will explain the complexity or importance of new developments and
discuss Q-COMP's approach to settlement options with your
representative.
If you are concerned that the Commission's decision may
adversely affect future premium calculations, contact your
WorkCover Queensland underwriter (see your last premium
notice).