Workers’ compensation statutory appeals decisions now at your fingertips

Quick and easy access to up-to-date workers’ compensation appeals decisions is now available online through QWCDec.

Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said QWCDec (pronounced “quick deck”) contained all Queensland Industrial Magistrate and Queensland Industrial Relations Commission workers’ compensation decisions since 1 July 1999.

Mr Shine said the database would be a valuable resource for all those involved in the Queensland workers’ compensation scheme from workers and employers through to the legal and insurance sectors.

The database is a joint project achieved by Q-COMP, Queensland’s Workers’ Compensation Regulatory Authority, and His Honour Judge Marshall Irwin, Chief Magistrate.

“QWCDec illustrates our commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver services and information products that achieve better outcomes for the workers’ compensation scheme,” Mr Shine said.

Judge Irwin said he was extremely supportive of decisions being accessible online and was certain that QWCDec would be an invaluable resource.

“QWCDec is easy to use and search and will be particularly useful for those involved in difficult legal scenarios where past legal precedent can be of assistance,” he said.

Mr Shine said the volume and range of information on the database made QWCDec a one-stop shop and would greatly assist decision makers in making more informed decisions.

He said Queensland was a leader in workers’ compensation with one of the most timely and cost effective dispute resolution systems in the country.

“Figures from the 2006 Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council Comparative Performance Monitoring Report show that in 2004-2005 Queensland again reported the lowest disputation rate and shortest time to resolve disputes in Australia with only 4.1 percent of claim decisions disputed and over 90 percent resolved within three months,” Mr Shine said.

“Of those that went to appeal, more than 75 percent were withdrawn or resolved without the need to progress to court or the Industrial Relations Commission.

“In Q-COMP’s 2005-06 reporting year, there were more than 87,000 statutory claims lodged with at least one insurer decision per claim.

“There were 2320 applications for review of the insurer decisions and only 97 matters heard in the Industrial Magistrate or Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. Only 17 went before the Industrial Court.”

Mr Shine said early resolution was a better result for any dispute resolution system, benefiting all parties involved in the process.

“Earlier results not only mean less angst for the worker, they also save time and money and reduce pressure on the court system,” he said.

Mr Shine said QWCDec would help contribute to assist decision-makers maintain this quality and consistency in decision-making.

QWCDec can be accessed through www.qcomp.com.au

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350 kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au