22-10-2019-Townsville

1 charge pursuant to Section 533 Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld) (WCRA) – Fraud
1 charge pursuant to Section 533 WCRA – Attempted Fraud
6 charges pursuant to Section 534 WCRA – Providing false or misleading information or statement

A claim was lodged with WorkCover Queensland (WorkCover) which alleged a workplace injury to a worker's knee. It was approved and the worker underwent surgery. Throughout the course of the claim the worker expressly denied the existence of a relevant medical history; twice to WorkCover and on two further occasions to medical practitioners. WorkCover paid his medical expenses and wages for a period of approximately 13 months. The total compensation paid by WorkCover under the worker's claim was $53,382.33.

In addition, the worker lodged a common law claim for damages in the amount of $614,818.53. In the course of that claim they also denied the extent of their relevant prior history to two additional medical practitioners however did not receive any payments.

The worker had a history of knee injuries which resulted in multiple surgeries and pre-existing symptomology and they denied or failed to volunteer that history or only provided partial disclosures. The denial of these material particulars had the result that WorkCover suffered a detriment as it was deprived of the opportunity to investigate those pre-existing conditions and consequently promptly approved the worker's claim.

18 months imprisonment, wholly suspended for an operational period of 2 years on the fraud charge

6 months imprisonment, wholly suspended for an operational period of 2 years on each of the other charges

Terms to be served concurrently