Insights
Publications
Search Publications
Recent Publications
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.
Tribunal accepts that ATO employment no longer contributes to mental health problems in worker
March 22, 2021
Karabolovska and Comcare [2020] AATA 5189. Key Points: The Tribunal was asked to consider ongoing liability in respect of a psychological condition, sustained as a result of an abusive phone call from a taxpayer. Medical evidence showed that the employee had significant psychological problems prior to commencing Commonwealth employment. The Tribunal found in favour […]
Federal Court: no general responsibility on employers to rehabilitate injured workers
March 22, 2021
Hooley v Comcare [2020] FCA 1880. Key Points: An employee of the CSRIO claimed that its failure to provide a rehabilitation program caused him to suffer ongoing psychological problems. The Federal Court was asked to consider whether an employing agency has a general responsibility or obligation to provide a rehabilitation program to an injured […]
HBA Legal launches OH&S service with senior appointment
March 18, 2021
MEDIA RELEASE: HBA Legal, part of Crawford & Company®, the world’s largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions, has announced the launch of its occupational health and safety (OH&S) service with the appointment of Jamie McPherson as a partner. The OH&S service will offer a comprehensive range of legal services spanning […]
No workers’ compensation for Adelaide NDIA employee who made a willful and false representation
March 11, 2021
WMZC and Comcare [2021] AATA 23. Key Points: The Tribunal was asked to consider liability for an employee’s psychological condition claimed to have been caused by his employment with the NDIA. The Tribunal found the employee’s mental health condition was not due to his employment, because his psychological condition was similar in nature prior […]
HBA Legal® boosts WHS credentials with new Partner
February 16, 2021
MEDIA RELEASE: Defendant insurance specialist HBA Legal has bolstered its workplace health and safety offering, bringing in highly-regarded expert Damian Hegarty in Brisbane. Mr. Hegarty, formerly a partner at DWF, focuses on the defence of actions brought against companies and individuals by various regulators. Damian has been involved in a number of high-profile inquests and […]
Employee succeeds in claim for netball injury during NAIDOC week
February 10, 2021
Rye and Comcare [2020] AATA 4963. Key Points: An employee claimed workers’ compensation for an injury to her right knee, sustained as a result of playing netball in a competition arranged as part of NAIDOC Week. The Tribunal was asked to consider whether the injury arose out of, or in the course of, her […]
NAB call centre off the hook over psychological condition claim
February 10, 2021
Plummer and National Australia Bank Limited [2020] AATA 3759. Key Points: The Tribunal was asked to consider whether a call centre worker suffered a psychological condition as a result of receiving abusive telephone calls. The Tribunal noted that the applicant failed to raise work-related stressors which had allegedly caused his illness, either to his […]
Tribunal overturns liability for shoulder injury in Centrelink worker
February 10, 2021
Zaveczky and Comcare [2020] AATA 4960 Key Points: Ms Zaveczky claimed that using a keyboard and mouse as part of her role at Centrelink caused her to suffer injuries to both upper limbs. The Tribunal found that Ms. Zaveczky’s employment did not contribute to a significant degree to her injury due to a lack […]
Vexatious Application dismissed by Canberra Tribunal
February 2, 2021
Paunovic and Australian Capital Territory [2020] AATA 5070 (20 November 2020). Key Points The Tribunal was asked to dismiss an application because liability for the applicant’s workers’ compensation claim had been accepted and the application was considered vexatious. The Tribunal heard from both parties at an interlocutory hearing and then dismissed the application for review. […]
HBA Legal investing in talent as part of Crawford & Company®
January 28, 2021
MEDIA RELEASE: National insurance law firm HBA Legal has started implementing its talent acquisition and growth plan just 12 weeks after integrating into Crawford & Company®, the world’s largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions to carriers, brokers and corporations. Courtney Steele joins the defendant insurance specialists as partner, following 13 […]