Q-COMP defends review decisions in the Queensland Industrial
Relations Commission (QIRC). You may seek your own legal advice but
you will have to meet their costs. As a worker, you may join as a
party to the appeal.
The first time the appeal goes before a Commissioner is
for a 'mention' to see if all parties are ready and if so,
set a hearing date-but not to determine the appeal.
You only need to attend the mention if you are joining
as a party to the appeal. Many appeals are settled without
a hearing. It may be several months before a case is heard in the
QIRC.
You will be required as a witness for Q-COMP,
so you will be issued an Attendance Notice to give evidence at the
hearing. Our appeals officer will contact you before the hearing to
discuss the case.
If your employer is successful in the appeal, you don't have to
repay compensation paid by the insurer up to the date of the
decision or settlement.
For free information contact:
The Workers' Compensation Advisory Service (you don't have to be a
union member)
Queensland Council of Unions
Toll free: 1800 102 166
Australian Workers' Union
Telephone: 07 3221 8844
For legal advice contact:
Queensland Law Society
Telephone: 07 3842 5842 (or your own solicitor)