by Digital Nomads HQ | Jan 20, 2020 | ASIEQ
ASIEQ are very pleased to launch our Mission, Vision and Value.
Our Mission
Striving for sustainable outcomes for workers and employers in Queensland by supporting flexible insurance and injury management arrangements that integrate safety, health and wellbeing.
Our Vision
To be recognised as a valuable contributor to the future direction of the workers compensation scheme in Queensland by providing insights, innovation and practical solutions.
Our Values
Respect
In all our interactions with a focus on openness, active listening and valuing diversity
Collaboration
By working together to build strong relationships
Accountability
By demonstrating good governance, acting responsibly, protecting privacy and displaying integrity
Achievement
With a clear focus on excellence, quality, sustainability and continuous improvement
by Digital Nomads HQ | Jan 10, 2020 | ASIEQ
Issue 1 – Managing Review Time Frames.
Welcome to the initial 20:20 Report designed to highlight issues affecting Workers’ Compensation Industry with a view to providing information and assistance that be useful in understanding or managing the issue. It is important that members or individuals seek their own independent advice on any of the issues that are raised or discussed in the ’20:20 Report’.
It has come to the attention of members that due to high volumes of review applications and reducing staff levels within the Review Unit, that delays are occurring in allocating applications to review officers of between 30 to 40 business days. As you may be, aware Review Officers have 25 business days to make a decision and a further 10 business days to provide written reasons for the decision. It is therefore possible for the legislated review period to be exceeded even before the case is allocated to a review officer.
It is important that injured workers are informed in advanced of the potential delays in the review process so that they can make timely and informed decisions in regards to lodging early reviews with the Review Unit. Workers have 3 months to lodge a review, however if they delay in lodging the review application the additional time taken to allocate an application may delay other opportunities to resolve issues whilst they await a decision.
The intention of the legislation is to provide a prompt and non-adversarial process for review of insurer decisions. Unfortunately, the delays in allocating applications to review officers appear to be increasing. It also appears that in the absence of a prioritising process to advance particular cases for early review, some workers could face financial difficulties or psychological issues whilst waiting for a review decision.
Here are some options to consider when advising workers of a reviewable decision made by the insurer:-
- When providing reasons for decision to workers, the insurer could highlight that there may be significant delays in the allocation process to a review officer and encourage workers who wish to have the decision reviewed to do so promptly;
- The insurer could advised the Worker or their agent that under Section 546 “ If the Regulator does not make a review decision within the time allowed under section 545(1) or (4), the applicant may appeal to an industrial magistrate against the Regulator’s failure to make the decision”;
- The insurer when providing details of the reasons for the decision to the worker could offer to self review the decision, if additional information was provided;
- The insurer could consider alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation to see if an alternative resolution strategy was appropriate;
- In cases where financial hardship may result, a worker could be advised to consider applying for other potential income sources. e.g. personal accident insurance, sickness benefits or maybe superannuation.
- Under Section 220 if the decision by the insurer has stopped compensation and the worker has not returned to work, the insurer must refer the worker to an accredited rehabilitation and return to work program.
- On receipt of a notification from the Review Unit of a delay in allocating an application, the insurer could write to the Director of Reviews and Appeals and act as an advocate for the worker by requesting consideration be given to expediting the allocation process having regarding to the particular circumstances of the case.
- In psychological cases, the worker could be referred to a relevant employee assistance program or the Workers’ Psychological Support Service coordinated by the QLD Council of Unions for assistance during the review period.
Insurers that experience regular reviews of claims decisions should endeavour to review their own decision-making processes to consider options in regards to improving their communication with workers about decisions and entitlements. This could include the development of simplistic and less legalistic reasons for decisions so the worker can better understand the reasons for the decision and clarify their entitlements.
If you would like any issues covered by the 20:20 REPORT please forward a brief email to admin@asieq.com.au outlining the topic you would like to be reviewed.
by Digital Nomads HQ | Nov 19, 2019 | ASIEQ
ASIEQ are proud to be signatories to The National Communications Charter (The Charter) which is a unified approach and promotes a common language in mental health, mental illness and suicide.
We all have a role to play in reducing stigma around mental ill-health and suicide, while also promoting help-seeking behavior through the Charter’s guiding principles and messages.
The Charter is a document designed to guide the way organisations talk about mental health and suicide prevention, with each other and with the community.
It serves as a formal commitment to working together and developing better structures and processes for collaboration. So that together we can work to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behaviour.
Please check out their website and encourage your workplace to sign up.
https://www.lifeinmindaustralia.com.au/the-charter
by Digital Nomads HQ | Nov 11, 2019 | ASIEQ
Queensland’s work health and safety and return to work high achievers have been recognised for their efforts to improve the state’s workplaces.
Individuals and organisations going that extra mile to create safer and healthier work as well as getting injured workers back to meaningful work as soon as they’re ready, were celebrated at the 2019 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards ceremony.
The awards ceremony was a highlight of Safe Work Month, which featured strong turnouts at the Injury Prevention and Return to Work Conference, masterclasses, regional safety breakfasts, as well as the King George Square community breakfast and industry hosted events throughout October.
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace was joined by Queensland Safety Ambassador Shane Webcke at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre to announce 12 award winners in 11 categories. This year’s winners represented a wide cross section of industries from all over the state.
Ms Grace said the winners were champions who deserved to be celebrated for their outstanding efforts—and for sharing their stories and ideas to help others.
ASIEQ would like to congratulate our member, Townsville City Council. Their team member won the following award:
Category 9 – Best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work
- Tracy Bignell – Townsville City Council – Townsville
Congratulation Tracy – well done!
by Digital Nomads HQ | Nov 11, 2019 | ASIEQ
Members are invited to attend the meeting and forum on 20 November 2019 at the Brisbane Novotel, 200 Creek Street, Brisbane.
The focus of this meeting with be to meet with Steven Campbell of the Office of Regulatory Service where we will further discussion the implications of the amendments from the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and other Legislation Amendment Bill.
In addition, we will have a presentation by Mark Wiemers from BarryNilsson Lawyers who will discuss Section 572A.
We invite members to join us at the conclusion of this forum for a light lunch as a break up for 2019.
Members should contact our office to RSVP.
