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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.
Quality proficiency assessment was reasonable administrative action
May 10, 2023
Tierney and Comcare (Compensation) [2023] AATA 674 Key Points The Tribunal was asked to decide whether the applicant’s psychological condition was suffered as a result of reasonable administrative action, taken in a reasonable manner, in respect of his employment. The Tribunal found in favour of Comcare. Background On 9 October 1996, the applicant commenced employment […]
Lessons for employers: Covill v WorkCover Queensland [2022] QSC 171
September 20, 2022
Covill v WorkCover Queensland [2022] QSC 171 Background Atlas People Pty Ltd, a chef recruitment and labour hire company, employed chefs to work on short and long-term assignments in different parts of Australia. Ms Covill, a chef by trade, was employed by Atlas to first work on assignment in Batemans Bay in New South Wales. On […]
You don’t always have to put in a fresh claim, according to the Federal Court
July 19, 2022
Ellison and Comcare [2022] FCA 95. Key Points: The Federal Court was asked to decide whether the Administrative Appeals Tribunal had erred in finding that it had no jurisdiction to consider a claim for workers’ compensation for Mr Ellison’s underlying degenerative disease of the spine. The Federal Court found there had been an error […]
AFP officer’s injury found to be a result of reasonable administrative action
July 19, 2022
Snook and Comcare [2022]. Key Points: The Tribunal was asked to consider liability for a psychological condition, claimed to have been sustained in the workplace by an Australian Federal Police Officer. The Tribunal found that the psychological condition did not meet the definition of Injury as it was suffered as a result of reasonable […]
An identifiable physiological change is not necessary for there to be an “ailment”
July 19, 2022
Wuth and Comcare [2022] FCAFC 42. Key Points: Ms Wuth appealed a decision of the Tribunal, which found than she had not suffered an injury within the meaning of the SRC Act because there had been no identifiable physiological change evident. The Full Court of the Federal Court stated that it was unnecessary […]
HBA Legal launches inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
July 18, 2022
Following formal endorsement from Reconciliation Australia, HBA Legal has published its inaugural Reflect RAP. In doing so, we are proud to join the 1100+ corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations across Australia that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation with First Nations Australians through the well-established RAP program. Our RAP has been driven by a […]
HBA Legal home to ‘Best Lawyers’
April 22, 2022
Six HBA Legal lawyers have been named in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. The Best Lawyers in Australia list is now in its 15th year. Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are then voted on by […]
Symptoms of anxiety and stress do not amount to a psychological condition
March 17, 2022
Fittock and Comcare [2022] AATA 72. Key Points: The Tribunal was asked to make a decision about liability on a claim for an aggravation of a psychological condition suffered by an employee of Services Australia. The employee claimed she experienced stress and anxiety as a result of the conduct of her team leader, after […]
Objection refused! Tribunal issues summons for mental health records
March 17, 2022
Australian Electoral Commission and Comcare [2022] AATA 138. Key Points: A treating psychologist objected to a summons for him to produce medical records, on the grounds that it would be a breach of privacy and duty of care to his patient. The Tribunal found that privacy considerations and duty of care must give way […]
“But I don’t want to go” – a subjective belief of unlawfulness cannot amount to a reasonable excuse
March 17, 2022
Hanel and Comcare [2022] AATA 261. Key Points: A subjective belief alone, as to the unlawfulness of a Notice to undergo a medical examination, cannot amount to a reasonable excuse for the purpose of section 57(2) of the SRC Act. A determination made under section 57 of the SRC Act is not included within […]