Join the Medical Assessment Tribunals

The Medical Assessment Tribunals (the Tribunals) are an integral part of Queensland's workers' compensation scheme. They consist of experienced medical specialists who provide independent and non-adversarial medical assessment of work-related injury or impairment and other matters.

The Tribunals comprise the General Medical Assessment Tribunal, eight Specialty Medical Assessment Tribunals and the Composite General Medical Tribunal.

The Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) is commencing a recruitment and selection process to fill expiring positions within certain Specialty Medical Assessment Tribunals and existing vacancies within the General Medical Assessment Tribunal.

Applications will open 28 January 2025 and close 11 March 2025.

What specialist positions are available?

We are seeking applications from specialists across a variety of specialty fields, including:

• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Disfigurement (Plastic Surgery)
• Infectious diseases medicine
• Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery, and
• Otolaryngology (ENT).

How are Tribunal members remunerated?

Tribunal members are remunerated in accordance with conditions decided by the Governor in Council. Under current arrangements Tribunal members receive remuneration for each Tribunal hearing they attend. For each Tribunal hearing, remuneration is available for one hour of meeting preparation time and three hours of meeting time.

When will my appointment commence?

It is anticipated that appointments in this round of recruitment will commence on 1 July 2025.

What will I do as a Tribunal member?

Tribunal work is conducted by a panel of three doctors sharing their expertise and is an excellent opportunity to work in a collegiate environment.

As a Tribunal member you may be asked to make medical assessments about:

• the relationship between a worker’s injury and their employment
• whether there is an incapacity for work resulting from a work injury
• any degree of permanent impairment resulting from a work injury
• a worker’s level of dependency on day-to-day care for the fundamental activities of daily living, and/or
• whether a particular treatment, care and support need resulting from the worker’s serious personal injury is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.

As a Tribunal member you will, among other things:

• contribute to the effective operation of Tribunals by
  • reading the provided reference material before each Tribunal hearing
  • attending Tribunal sessions ready to commence at the appointed time and for the entirety of the nominated session
  • working cooperatively with other Tribunal members and complying with the direction of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons
  • supporting and embracing the virtual hearing model
• make statutory decisions in accordance with all relevant legislation
• contribute to the preparation of quality written reasons for every decision
• treat all claimants, colleagues, and OIR staff fairly and with respect, and
• comply with the Medical Assessment Tribunal Members Code of Conduct.

What do Tribunal members say about these opportunities?

‘The Medical Assessment Tribunal has been a highlight of my working week for many years.’

‘I thoroughly enjoy the intellectual stimulation of the process, the collegiate interaction with one’s peers and the support and wisdom of the staff.’

‘Discussing cases, then jointly observing experienced colleagues during history taking and examination of complex patients has been a positive experience and beneficial for ongoing professional development.’

Diversity at the Office of Industrial Relations

The Queensland Government is committed to celebrating the value people with disability bring to our community and ensuring people with disability can live their best lives in our state. People of all ages, abilities, gender and ethnicity are encouraged to apply for these positions.