Opportunity to join Queensland’s Medical Assessment Tribunals

The Queensland Government is seeking specialist practitioners for the state workers’ compensation scheme’s General Medical Assessment Tribunal and newly-created Psychiatric Assessment Tribunal.

Medical Assessment Tribunals are established under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 to provide an independent and non-adversarial system of medical review and assessment of injury and impairment sustained by workers.

Office of Industrial Relations Deputy Director-General Peter McKay said tribunals are an integral part of the Queensland workers’ compensation scheme, providing an independent medical assessment for workers’ 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.

Tribunals include the General Medical Assessment Tribunal and eight Specialty Medical Assessment Tribunals, including the newly-created Psychiatric Assessment Tribunal.

“The Specialty Medical Assessment Tribunal specifically for psychiatry reflects the growing awareness of the importance of good mental health in the community and ensures the valuable skills of psychiatrists is given due recognition within the scheme,” Mr McKay said.

“Applications will be considered by an independent panel of representatives including from the relevant medical colleges and scheme stakeholders.”

Importantly, each member of a tribunal is required to adhere to a Code of Conduct to ensure they maintain the independence and integrity of the tribunals.

Applications are open until 11 March 2024. More details at worksafe.qld.gov.au

Media contact: 0478 33 22 00 or oirmedia@oir.qld.gov.au