The NSW Government remains committed to establishing a Personal Injury Commission (PIC) this year, to simplify the dispute resolution system for injured road users and workers who make a compensation claim.
The PIC will consolidate the dispute resolution systems of the Workers Compensation Commission and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the PIC proposal aligns with the Standing Committee on Law and Justice’s recommendation to establish a one-stop-shop for CTP and workers compensation dispute resolution, which the Government supported in its response to the Committee’s 2018 report.
“The proposed PIC model has been developed in consultation with scheme providers and industry stakeholders over the past 12 months to ensure that it delivers the best possible claimant experience,” Mr Dominello said.
“CTP disputes are currently managed by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority, but will now be consolidated into a single tribunal by expanding the Workers Compensation Commission. Two divisions will be created, with an independent judicial head, enabling the retention of subject matter expertise and personnel in the new body.
“A single tribunal will deliver greater flexibility in the allocation of workloads and resources across different jurisdictions.”
It is expected legislation will be introduced into Parliament in coming months. It will propose no changes to the underlying schemes, so there is no impact to the benefits and rights of involved parties.
The PIC is committed to the digital and efficient delivery of dispute resolution to citizens across NSW, including regional areas.
The intent is to bring about a consolidated and modern tribunal, with minimal impact to insurance premiums and to ensure certainty with business continuity.
The PIC will consolidate the dispute resolution systems of the Workers Compensation Commission and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the PIC proposal aligns with the Standing Committee on Law and Justice’s recommendation to establish a one-stop-shop for CTP and workers compensation dispute resolution, which the Government supported in its response to the Committee’s 2018 report.
“The proposed PIC model has been developed in consultation with scheme providers and industry stakeholders over the past 12 months to ensure that it delivers the best possible claimant experience,” Mr Dominello said.
“CTP disputes are currently managed by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority, but will now be consolidated into a single tribunal by expanding the Workers Compensation Commission. Two divisions will be created, with an independent judicial head, enabling the retention of subject matter expertise and personnel in the new body.
“A single tribunal will deliver greater flexibility in the allocation of workloads and resources across different jurisdictions.”
It is expected legislation will be introduced into Parliament in coming months. It will propose no changes to the underlying schemes, so there is no impact to the benefits and rights of involved parties.
The PIC is committed to the digital and efficient delivery of dispute resolution to citizens across NSW, including regional areas.
The intent is to bring about a consolidated and modern tribunal, with minimal impact to insurance premiums and to ensure certainty with business continuity.