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Our team regularly produces articles and updates on legal developments and the implications for clients. Our latest publications can be viewed below. Alternatively, use the Search function on the left to find the topic of your choice.
HBA Legal named ‘Employer of Choice’ 2019
November 21, 2019
Defendant insurance law firm HBA Legal has been named one of Australia’s best employers in the Australasian Lawyer ‘Employer of Choice’ Report for 2019. To be recognised, firms were required to demonstrate the highest level of performance and excellence across 10 key areas: Remuneration; Training and professional development; Career progression; Diversity and inclusion; Communication; Leadership; […]
Doyle’s Guide rates HBA among WA’s best insurance firms
November 14, 2019
Doyle’s Guide has announced the leading defendant insurance lawyers and law firms in Western Australia, with both HBA Legal and a number of our practitioners making the list. Lawyers, barristers and firms are awarded based on feedback from industry peers, clients and relevant industry bodies. HBA has been named among the top law firms in […]
Support us to support Movember
November 6, 2019
It’s getting hairy here at HBA … Movember is in full swing as we help raise money to support the health of men around the world. Movember funds ground breaking projects globally. Did you know that one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 75% of all suicides? Please […]
SBS not liable for hairdresser’s stress claim
October 8, 2019
Lord and Comcare [2019] AATA 2965. Key Points: The Tribunal was required to consider whether SBS were liable to pay compensation for a psychological condition suffered by a hair and make-up artist. The Tribunal found in favour of the employer. Background: Ms Belinda Lord (the applicant) began working for SBS as a hair and […]
No liability to pay for “Ted” (aka psychiatric assistance dog)
September 19, 2019
Brideson by guardian Lynette Brideson and Australian Capital Territory [2019] AATA 2314 (31 July 2019). Key Points: Mr Brideson sought compensation for the training and upkeep of a psychiatric assistance dog. The Tribunal found that the dog did not fit the definitions of medical treatment or an aid or appliance and, therefore, compensation was […]
New Guidelines for Rehabilitation Authorities
September 19, 2019
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Guidelines for Rehabilitation Authorities) Instrument 2019. Key Points The new Guidelines for Rehabilitation Authorities came into effect on 15 August 2019. The differences between the previous guidelines and the new guidelines are briefly discussed below. If you would like a more in-depth explanation of the changes, please get in touch. […]
Assessing hearing loss – when is a claim no longer compensable?
September 19, 2019
Cook and Telstra Corporation Limited [2019] AATA 1511. Key Points: Mr Cook claimed that he suffered hearing loss as a result of his work at Telstra. The Tribunal was required to consider whether Mr Cook had a further claim for permanent impairment and non-economic loss in relation to the further deterioration in his hearing. […]
No diagnosis? No worries: Tribunal accepts claim for symptoms
August 15, 2019
Stefaniak and Comcare [2019] AATA 1866 (12 July 2019). Key Points: Mr Stefaniak submitted a claim for workers’ compensation in respect of lower abdomen and groin pain. Despite no concrete diagnosis of his condition, the Tribunal found in favour of the employee. Background: Mr Stefaniak was a professional sprinter who trained with the […]
Can a meeting to discuss carer’s leave be administrative action?
August 15, 2019
Comcare v Stewart [2019] FCA 365. Key Points: The Federal Court was asked to consider the meaning of the phrase “administrative action”. The Federal Court found in favour of the employee and decided that he was entitled to compensation in respect to his adjustment disorder with anxious mood. Background: Mr Stewart was the […]
Confidentiality and privacy concerns Not a justifiable reason for non-compliance
August 6, 2019
Carver and Comcare [2019] AATA 1534. Key Points: The Tribunal was required to consider a claim for costs arising from a doctor complying with a summons. The Tribunal found that concerns about medical record confidentiality does not constitute a reasonable excuse for failing to comply with a summons. Reasonable expenses incurred in producing documents […]