Resolving Disputes
Injured worker – Decision Review
If you believe your claim for compensation has not been handled correctly you are encouraged to initially talk to your employer, your health provider and/or your WorkSafe Agent.
In addition, the WorkSafe Advisory Service will provide free advice to both workers and employers. You can contact the WorkSafe Advisory Service on (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089.
Senior Review at your WorkSafe Agent
Further to talking to your WorkSafe Agent, you can request your WorkSafe Agent to undertake a ‘senior review’ of an adverse decision they have made. This review involves a senior person within the WorkSafe Agent, and who was not involved in the original decision, to review the decision and advise you of the outcome.
If you cannot reach agreement and you think the WorkSafe Agent has made a wrong decision about your WorkSafe Injury Insurance claim, Conciliation can help to resolve your dispute.
The Accident Compensation Conciliation Service (ACCS)
The ACCS is an independent organisation that has been established under the Accident Compensation Act 1985. The ACCS helps resolve workers compensation disputes in Victoria using the principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution. The process of conciliation is conducted by Conciliation Officers who are impartial and experienced in resolving workers compensation disputes. No fee is charged by the ACCS.
Should a dispute not be resolved through Conciliation, you may be able to proceed to the Court system.
To lodge a dispute with the ACCS, you will need to complete a Request for Conciliation form available via the conciliation service website www.conciliation.vic.gov.au
For further information, please contact the ACCS on telephone number (03) 9940 1111, freecall 1800 635 960 or email info@conciliation.vic.gov.au.
WorkCover Assist
For assistance through the dispute resolution process, you can contact WorkCover Assist, which is a free service, on (03) 9941 0537 or your union representative.
WorkCover Assist has competent Workers' Consultants with a vast amount of knowledge and experience. They will provide guidance on issues relating to your WorkCover entitlements subject to the dispute, together with the provision of support and assistance through the dispute resolution process, simplifying the process for you and attending conciliation with you whilst acting as your assistant.
To nominate WorkCover Assist, a union representative or another representative (such as a family member) as your assistant, please write the details on the Request for Conciliation form where it asks the question - Have you arranged for your union or another person to assist you at conciliation? This will automatically result in ACCS advising WorkCover Assist they have been requested to act as your assistant. An acknowledgment letter from WorkCover Assist will be forward to you upon us receiving this advice.
