Queensland seeks specialists for medical assessment tribunals
04 Apr 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: WorkSafe QLD
The Queensland Government has called for specialist practitioners to join its General Medical Assessment Tribunal and newly created Psychiatric Assessment Tribunal, with an application deadline of 11 March 2024.
Established under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, Medical Assessment Tribunals independently review and assess workers’ injuries and impairment through a non-adversarial process.
Office of Industrial Relations Deputy Director-General Peter McKay described the tribunals as an integral part of Queensland’s workers’ compensation scheme, providing independent medical assessments for compensation claims.
“To become a tribunal member, you need to be a highly qualified specialty practitioner who has a solid reputation in your respective field,” Mr McKay said.
The tribunal structure comprises the General Medical Assessment Tribunal and eight Specialty Medical Assessment Tribunals. The newly created Psychiatric Assessment Tribunal is among the specialty tribunals.
Mr McKay said the dedicated psychiatry tribunal reflected growing recognition of the importance of good mental health in the community and recognised psychiatrists’ valuable skills within the scheme.
An independent panel, including representatives from relevant medical colleges and scheme stakeholders, would consider applications, Mr McKay said. All tribunal members must follow a Code of Conduct designed to protect the tribunals’ independence and integrity.