Commonwealth of Australia Bills

[Index] [Search] [Download] [Related Items] [Help]


This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.


SAFETY, REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION AMENDMENT (IMPROVING THE COMCARE SCHEME) BILL 2015

 

 

 

2013-2014-2015 

 

The Parliament of the 

Commonwealth of Australia 

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

 

 

 

 

Presented and read a first time 

 

 

 

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation 

Amendment (Improving the Comcare 

Scheme) Bill 2015 

 

No.      , 2015 

 

(Employment) 

 

 

 

A Bill for an Act to amend the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Act 1988, and for other purposes 

   

   

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

i 

 

Contents 

Short title ........................................................................................... 1

 

Commencement ................................................................................. 1

 

Schedules ........................................................................................... 6

 

Schedule 1--Eligibility for compensation and rehabilitation

 

7

 

Part 1--Amendments

 

7

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

7

 

Part 2--Application provisions

 

14

 

Schedule 2--Rehabilitation

 

15

 

Part 1--General amendments

 

15

 

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004

 

15

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

15

 

Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992

 

53

 

Part 2--Amendments contingent on the commencement of 

Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015

 

54

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

54

 

Part 3--Amendments contingent on the commencement of 

Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit 

Arrangements) Act 2015

 

55

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

55

 

Part 4--Application and transitional provisions

 

59

 

Schedule 3--Scheme integrity

 

62

 

Part 1--General amendments

 

62

 

Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977

 

62

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

62

 

 

 

ii 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 2--Amendments contingent on the commencement of 

Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015

 

77

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

77

 

Part 3--General application and transitional provisions

 

81

 

Schedule 4--Provisional medical expense payments

 

83

 

Part 1--Amendments

 

83

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

83

 

Part 2--Application and transitional provisions

 

93

 

Schedule 5--Medical expenses

 

94

 

Part 1--Amendments

 

94

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

94

 

Part 2--Application and transitional provisions

 

104

 

Division 1--Transitional provisions commencing on the day after 

Royal Assent

 

104

 

Division 2--Application provisions commencing on Proclamation

 

104

 

Schedule 6--Household services and attendant care services

 

105

 

Part 1--Amendments commencing on the day after Royal 

Assent

 

105

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

105

 

Part 2--Amendments commencing on Proclamation

 

107

 

Division 1--Amendments

 

107

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

107

 

Division 2--Application and transitional provisions

 

114

 

Schedule 7--Absences from Australia

 

115

 

Part 1--Amendments

 

115

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

115

 

Part 2--Application and transitional provisions

 

123

 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

iii 

 

Schedule 8--Accrual of leave while receiving compensation

 

124

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

124

 

Schedule 9--Calculation of compensation

 

125

 

Part 1--Amendments

 

125

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

125

 

Part 2--Application and transitional provisions

 

142

 

Schedule 10--Redemption of compensation

 

147

 

Part 1--Amendments

 

147

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

147

 

Part 2--Transitional provisions

 

148

 

Schedule 11--Legal costs

 

149

 

Part 1--Amendments

 

149

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

149

 

Part 2--Application provisions

 

153

 

Schedule 12--Permanent impairment

 

154

 

Part 1--Amendments

 

154

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

154

 

Part 2--Application and transitional provisions

 

164

 

Schedule 13--Licences

 

167

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

167

 

Schedule 14--Gradual onset injuries

 

170

 

Part 1--General amendments

 

170

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

170

 

Part 2--Amendments contingent on the commencement of 

Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015

 

175

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

175

 

 

 

iv 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 3--Application provisions

 

178

 

Schedule 15--Sanctions

 

179

 

Part 1--Amendments commencing on the day after Royal 

Assent

 

179

 

Division 1--Amendments

 

179

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

179

 

Division 2--Application and transitional provisions

 

180

 

Part 2--Amendments commencing on Proclamation

 

182

 

Division 1--Amendments

 

182

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

182

 

Division 2--Application provisions

 

201

 

Schedule 16--Defence-related claims

 

203

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

203

 

Schedule 17--Interpretation

 

206

 

Part 1--Amendments commencing on the day after Royal 

Assent

 

206

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

206

 

Part 2--Amendments contingent on commencement of 

Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015

 

209

 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

 

209

 

 

 

 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

1 

 

A Bill for an Act to amend the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Act 1988, and for other purposes 

The Parliament of Australia enacts: 

1  Short title 

 

  This Act may be cited as the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Amendment (Improving the Comcare Scheme) Act 

2015

2  Commencement 

 

(1)  Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table 

commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with 

10 

column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect 

11 

according to its terms. 

12 

   

   

 

 

2 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

Commencement information 

Column 1 

Column 2 

Column 3 

Provisions 

Commencement 

Date/Details 

1.  Sections 1 to 3 

and anything in 

this Act not 

elsewhere covered 

by this table 

The day this Act receives the Royal Assent. 

 

2.  Schedule 1 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

3.  Schedule 2, 

Part 1 

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 

However, if the provisions do not commence 

within the period of 12 months beginning on 

the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, 

they commence on the day after the end of 

that period. 

 

4.  Schedule 2, 

Part 2 

The later of: 

(a) immediately after the commencement of 

the provisions covered by table item 3; 

and 

(b) immediately after the commencement of 

Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Legislation 

Amendment Act 2015

 

5.  Schedule 2, 

Part 3 

The later of: 

(a) immediately after the commencement of 

the provisions covered by table item 3; 

and 

(b) immediately after the commencement of 

Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation 

Legislation Amendment (Exit 

Arrangements) Act 2015

 

6.  Schedule 2, 

Part 4 

At the same time as the provisions covered 

by table item 3. 

 

7.  Schedule 3, 

Part 1 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent 

 

8.  Schedule 3, 

The later of: 

 

   

   

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

3 

 

Commencement information 

Column 1 

Column 2 

Column 3 

Provisions 

Commencement 

Date/Details 

Part 2 

(a) immediately after the commencement of 

the provisions covered by table item 7; 

and 

(b) immediately after the commencement of 

Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Legislation 

Amendment Act 2015

9.  Schedule 3, 

Part 3 

At the same time as the provisions covered 

by table item 7. 

 

10.  Schedule 4

 

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 

However, if the provisions do not commence 

within the period of 12 months beginning on 

the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, 

they commence on the day after the end of 

that period. 

 

11.  Schedule 5, 

Part 1 

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 

However, if the provisions do not commence 

within the period of 12 months beginning on 

the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, 

they commence on the day after the end of 

that period. 

 

12.  Schedule 5, 

Part 2, Division 1 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

13.  Schedule 5, 

Part 2, Division 2 

At the same time as the provisions covered 

by table item 11. 

 

14.  Schedule 6, 

Part 1 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

15.  Schedule 6, 

Part 2 

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 

However, if the provisions do not commence 

within the period of 12 months beginning on 

the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, 

they commence on the day after the end of 

that period. 

 

16.  Schedule 7 

Immediately after the commencement of the 

provisions covered by table item 26. 

 

   

   

 

 

4 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Commencement information 

Column 1 

Column 2 

Column 3 

Provisions 

Commencement 

Date/Details 

17.  Schedule 8 

The later of: 

(a) the start of the day after this Act receives 

the Royal Assent; and 

(b) the commencement of item 5 of 

Schedule 1 to the Fair Work Amendment 

Act 2015

 

18.  Schedule 9 

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 

However, if the provisions do not commence 

within the period of 12 months beginning on 

the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, 

they commence on the day after the end of 

that period. 

 

19.  Schedule 10 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

20.  Schedule 11 

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 

However, if the provisions do not commence 

within the period of 12 months beginning on 

the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, 

they commence on the day after the end of 

that period. 

 

21.  Schedule 12 

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 

However, if the provisions do not commence 

within the period of 12 months beginning on 

the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, 

they commence on the day after the end of 

that period. 

 

22.  Schedule 13 

The later of: 

(a) the start of the day after this Act receives 

the Royal Assent; and 

(b) immediately after the commencement of 

Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Legislation 

Amendment Act 2015

 

23.  Schedule 14, 

Part 1 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

   

   

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

5 

 

Commencement information 

Column 1 

Column 2 

Column 3 

Provisions 

Commencement 

Date/Details 

24.  Schedule 14, 

Part 2 

The later of: 

(a) immediately after the commencement of 

the provisions covered by table item 23; 

and 

(b) immediately after the commencement of 

Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Legislation 

Amendment Act 2015

 

25.  Schedule 14, 

Part 3 

At the same time as the provisions covered 

by table item 23. 

 

26.  Schedule 15, 

Part 1 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

27.  Schedule 15, 

Part 2 

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 

However, if the provisions do not commence 

within the period of 12 months beginning on 

the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, 

they commence on the day after the end of 

that period. 

 

28.  Schedule 16 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

29.  Schedule 17, 

Part 1 

The day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent. 

 

30.  Schedule 17, 

Part 2 

The later of: 

(a) immediately after the commencement of 

the provisions covered by table item 29; 

and 

(b) immediately after the commencement of 

Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Legislation 

Amendment Act 2015

 

Note: 

This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally 

enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of 

this Act. 

   

   

 

 

6 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(2)  Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. 

Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it 

may be edited, in any published version of this Act. 

3  Schedules 

 

  Legislation that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or 

repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule 

concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect 

according to its terms. 

Eligibility for compensation and rehabilitation  Schedule 1 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

7 

 

Schedule 1

--Eligibility for compensation and 

rehabilitation 

Part 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

designated injury has the meaning given by section 5C. 

relevant pre-existing ailment, in relation to a designated injury or 

an aggravation of a designated injury, has the meaning given by 

section 5C. 

10 

2  Subsection 4(1) (definition of significant degree

11 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

12 

significant degree means a degree that is substantially more than 

13 

material. 

14 

3  Subsection 4(10) 

15 

After "than in", insert "section 7A or". 

16 

4  Subsection 4(10A) 

17 

After "except in", insert "section 7A or". 

18 

5  Subsection 5A(1) (paragraphs (b) and (c) of the definition of 

19 

injury

20 

After "disease", insert "or a designated injury". 

21 

6  Subsection 5A(1) (at the end of paragraph (c) of the 

22 

definition of injury

23 

Add "or". 

24 

Schedule 1  Eligibility for compensation and rehabilitation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

8 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

7  Subsection 5A(1) (after paragraph (c) of the definition of 

injury

Insert: 

 

(d)  a designated injury suffered by an employee, where the 

designated injury was contributed to, to a significant degree, 

by the employee's employment by the Commonwealth or a 

licensee; or 

 

(e)  a designated injury suffered by an employee, where: 

 

(i)  the relevant pre-existing ailment is a disease; and 

 

(ii)  the designated injury was contributed to, to a significant 

10 

degree, by the relevant pre-existing ailment; or 

11 

 

(f)  an aggravation of a designated injury suffered by an 

12 

employee, where the aggravation was contributed to, to a 

13 

significant degree, by the employee's employment by the 

14 

Commonwealth or a licensee; or 

15 

 

(g)  an aggravation of a designated injury suffered by an 

16 

employee, where: 

17 

 

(i)  the relevant pre-existing ailment is a disease; and 

18 

 

(ii)  the aggravation was contributed to, to a significant 

19 

degree, by the relevant pre-existing ailment; 

20 

8  Subsection 5A(1) (definition of injury

21 

Omit all the words after "suffered as a result", substitute: 

22 

of: 

23 

 

(h)  reasonable management action taken in a reasonable manner; 

24 

or 

25 

 

(i)  the employee's anticipation or expectation of reasonable 

26 

management action being taken. 

27 

9  Subsection 5A(2) 

28 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

29 

Management action 

30 

 

(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), management action includes 

31 

(but is not limited to) the following: 

32 

 

(a)  an appraisal of the employee's performance; 

33 

Eligibility for compensation and rehabilitation  Schedule 1 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

9 

 

 

(b)  a counselling action (whether formal or informal) taken in 

respect of the employee's employment; 

 

(c)  a suspension action in respect of the employee's 

employment; 

 

(d)  a disciplinary action (whether formal or informal) taken in 

respect of the employee's employment; 

 

(e)  anything done in connection with an action mentioned in 

paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d); 

 

(f)  anything done in connection with the employee's failure to 

obtain a promotion, reclassification, transfer or benefit, or to 

10 

retain a benefit, in connection with his or her employment; 

11 

 

(g)  an organisational or corporate restructure; 

12 

 

(h)  a direction given for an operational purpose or purposes; 

13 

 

(i)  anything done in connection with an action mentioned in 

14 

paragraph (g) or (h). 

15 

Designated injury--significant degree test 

16 

 

(3)  For the purposes of paragraphs (1)(d) and (f), in determining 

17 

whether: 

18 

 

(a)  a designated injury; or 

19 

 

(b)  an aggravation of a designated injury; 

20 

was contributed to, to a significant degree, by an employee's 

21 

employment by the Commonwealth or a licensee, the following 

22 

matters may be taken into account: 

23 

 

(c)  the duration of the employment; 

24 

 

(d)  the nature of, and particular tasks involved in, the 

25 

employment; 

26 

 

(e)  the state of the employee's physical and psychological health 

27 

before the designated injury or aggravation; 

28 

 

(f)  any predisposition of the employee to the designated injury 

29 

or aggravation; 

30 

 

(g)  the probability that, if the employee had not been employed 

31 

in the employment: 

32 

 

(i)  the designated injury or aggravation; or 

33 

 

(ii)  a similar designated injury or similar aggravation; 

34 

 

  would have been suffered by the employee: 

35 

 

(iii)  at or about the same time in the employee's life; or 

36 

Schedule 1  Eligibility for compensation and rehabilitation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

10 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(iv)  at the same stage of the employee's life; 

 

(h)  any activities of the employee not related to the employment; 

 

(i)  if the designated injury or aggravation is, to a significant 

degree, attributable to the employee's: 

 

(i)  belief about; or 

 

(ii)  interpretation of; 

 

  an incident or state of affairs--whether the employee had 

reasonable grounds for the belief or interpretation, as the case 

may be; 

 

(j)  any other matters affecting the employee's physical or 

10 

psychological health; 

11 

 

(k)  any other relevant matters. 

12 

This subsection does not limit the matters that may be taken into 

13 

account. 

14 

10  After paragraph 5B(2)(b) 

15 

Insert: 

16 

 

(ba)  the state of the employee's physical and psychological health 

17 

before the ailment or aggravation; 

18 

11  After paragraph 5B(2)(c) 

19 

Insert: 

20 

 

(ca)  the probability that, if the employee had not been employed 

21 

in the employment: 

22 

 

(i)  the ailment or aggravation; or 

23 

 

(ii)  a similar ailment or similar aggravation; 

24 

 

  would have been suffered by the employee: 

25 

 

(iii)  at or about the same time in the employee's life; or 

26 

 

(iv)  at the same stage of the employee's life; 

27 

12  After paragraph 5B(2)(d) 

28 

Insert: 

29 

 

(da)  if the ailment or aggravation is, to a significant degree, 

30 

attributable to the employee's: 

31 

 

(i)  belief about; or 

32 

 

(ii)  interpretation of; 

33 

Eligibility for compensation and rehabilitation  Schedule 1 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

11 

 

 

  an incident or state of affairs--whether the employee had 

reasonable grounds for the belief or interpretation, as the case 

may be; 

13  Paragraph 5B(2)(e) 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

 

(e)  any other matters affecting the employee's physical or 

psychological health; 

 

(f)  any other relevant matters. 

14  Subsection 5B(3) 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

10 

 

(3)  If: 

11 

 

(a)  a Compensation Standard is in force under section 7A in 

12 

relation to an ailment; and 

13 

 

(b)  the Compensation Standard sets out matters that must be 

14 

taken into account for the purposes of the application of this 

15 

subsection to the ailment; 

16 

those matters must be taken into account in determining whether 

17 

the ailment was contributed to, to a significant degree, by the 

18 

employee's employment by the Commonwealth or a licensee. 

19 

 

(4)  If: 

20 

 

(a)  a Compensation Standard is in force under section 7A in 

21 

relation to an ailment; and 

22 

 

(b)  the Compensation Standard sets out matters that must be 

23 

taken into account for the purposes of the application of this 

24 

subsection to an aggravation of the ailment; 

25 

those matters must be taken into account in determining whether an 

26 

aggravation of the ailment was contributed to, to a significant 

27 

degree, by the employee's employment by the Commonwealth or a 

28 

licensee. 

29 

 

(5)  Subsections (3) and (4) have effect in addition to subsection (2). 

30 

15  After section 5B 

31 

Insert: 

32 

Schedule 1  Eligibility for compensation and rehabilitation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

12 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

5C  Definition of designated injury 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, designated injury means: 

 

(a)  an injury to the heart; or 

 

(b)  an injury to a blood vessel that is associated with the heart; or 

 

(c)  an injury to the brain; or 

 

(d)  an injury to a blood vessel that is associated with the brain; or 

 

(e)  an injury to an intervertebral disc; or 

 

(f)  an injury that is associated with an intervertebral disc; or 

 

(g)  an injury prescribed by the regulations; 

where: 

10 

 

(h)  the injury is not a disease (within the meaning of section 5B); 

11 

and 

12 

 

(i)  the injury consists of, is caused by, results from, or is 

13 

associated with, a pre-existing ailment. 

14 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Act, the relevant pre-existing ailment in 

15 

relation to: 

16 

 

(a)  a designated injury; or 

17 

 

(b)  an aggravation of a designated injury; 

18 

is the pre-existing ailment mentioned in paragraph (1)(i). 

19 

 

(3)  For the purposes of subsection (1), injury has its ordinary meaning. 

20 

16  After section 7 

21 

Insert: 

22 

7A  Compensation Standards relating to ailments 

23 

 

(1)  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, determine a 

24 

Compensation Standard that: 

25 

 

(a)  relates to a specified ailment; and 

26 

 

(b)  sets out the factors that must, as a minimum, exist before it 

27 

can be said that an employee is suffering from the ailment. 

28 

 

(2)  If a Compensation Standard is in force in relation to an ailment, 

29 

then, for the purposes of this Act, an employee is taken not to have 

30 

suffered, or be suffering, from the ailment unless the factors set out 

31 

Eligibility for compensation and rehabilitation  Schedule 1 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

13 

 

in the Compensation Standard existed, or exist, as the case 

requires, for the employee. 

 

(3)  A Compensation Standard relating to an ailment may set out 

matters that must be taken into account for the purposes of the 

application of subsection 5B(3) to the ailment. 

 

(4)  A Compensation Standard relating to an ailment may set out 

matters that must be taken into account for the purposes of the 

application of subsection 5B(4) to an aggravation of the ailment. 

Schedule 1  Eligibility for compensation and rehabilitation 

Part 2  Application provisions 

 

 

14 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 2

--Application provisions 

17   Application of amendments 

The amendments made by this Schedule apply in relation to an injury 

sustained by an employee after the commencement of this item. 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

15 

 

Schedule 2

--Rehabilitation 

Part 1

--General amendments 

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 

1  Subsection 41(1) (paragraph (a) of the definition of 

approved program provider

Omit "approved program provider", substitute "approved workplace 

rehabilitation provider". 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

2  Subsection 4(1) (definition of approved program provider

Repeal the definition. 

10 

3  Subsection 4(1) 

11 

Insert: 

12 

approved workplace rehabilitation provider means a person or 

13 

body approved under section 34F or 34H as a workplace 

14 

rehabilitation provider, and includes a person or body so approved 

15 

whose approval is renewed under section 34L. 

16 

4  Subsection 4(1) 

17 

Insert: 

18 

current employer of an employee means: 

19 

 

(a)  if the employee is employed in an Entity--the principal 

20 

officer of the Entity; or 

21 

 

(b)  if the employee is employed in a Commonwealth authority--

22 

the principal officer of the Commonwealth authority; or 

23 

 

(c)  if the employee is employed by a licensed corporation--the 

24 

principal officer of the corporation; or 

25 

 

(d)  if the employee is employed by a corporation (within the 

26 

meaning of Part VIII) that is not a licensed corporation--the 

27 

principal executive officer of the corporation. 

28 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

16 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

employee's responsibilities under a workplace rehabilitation plan 

has the meaning given by section 36A. 

5  Subsection 4(1) (definition of exempt authority

Omit "35", substitute "38A". 

6  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

formally notified of an injury has the meaning given by 

subsection 36C(1). 

liable employer has the meaning given by Division 2A of Part III. 

7  Subsection 4(1) (definition of rehabilitation authority

10 

Repeal the definition. 

11 

8  Subsection 4(1) (definition of rehabilitation program

12 

Repeal the definition. 

13 

9  Subsection 4(1) (definition of suitable employment

14 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

15 

suitable employment, in relation to an employee, means any 

16 

employment (including self-employment) for which the employee 

17 

is suited, having regard to: 

18 

 

(a)  the employee's age, experience, training, language and other 

19 

skills; and 

20 

 

(b)  the employee's suitability for rehabilitation or vocational 

21 

retraining; and 

22 

 

(c)  if employment is available at a place that would require the 

23 

employee to change his or her place of residence--whether it 

24 

is reasonable to expect the employee to change his or her 

25 

place of residence; and 

26 

 

(d)  any other relevant matters. 

27 

10  Subsection 4(1) 

28 

Insert: 

29 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

17 

 

workplace rehabilitation plan has the meaning given by 

section 36. 

work readiness assessment has the meaning given by section 38B. 

11  Subparagraph 6(1)(f)(iii) 

Repeal the subparagraph, substitute: 

 

(iii)  fulfilling the employee's responsibilities under a 

workplace rehabilitation plan; or 

12  Subparagraph 6(1)(f)(v) 

Omit "or rehabilitation assessment". 

13  At the end of paragraph 6(1)(f) 

10 

Add: 

11 

 

(vii)  undergoing a work readiness assessment; or 

12 

14  Subparagraph 6(1)(g)(iii) 

13 

Repeal the subparagraph, substitute: 

14 

 

(iii)  fulfilling the employee's responsibilities under a 

15 

workplace rehabilitation plan; or 

16 

15  Subparagraph 6(1)(g)(iv) 

17 

Omit "or rehabilitation assessment". 

18 

16  At the end of paragraph 6(1)(g) 

19 

Add: 

20 

 

(v)  undergoing a work readiness assessment; or 

21 

17  Paragraph 19(4)(d) 

22 

Omit "completed a reasonable rehabilitation or vocational retraining 

23 

program", substitute "fulfil the employee's responsibilities under a 

24 

workplace rehabilitation plan". 

25 

18  Paragraph 19(4)(f) 

26 

Omit "undertake, or to complete, a rehabilitation or vocational 

27 

retraining program", substitute "fulfil the employee's responsibilities 

28 

under a workplace rehabilitation plan". 

29 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

18 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

19  Section 34 (definition of principal

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

rehabilitation provider". 

20  Division 2 of Part III (heading) 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

Division 2--Workplace rehabilitation providers 

21  Subsection 34A(1) 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

rehabilitation provider". 

22  Paragraph 34A(2)(b) 

10 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

11 

rehabilitation provider". 

12 

23  Subsections 34A(3) to (6) 

13 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

14 

rehabilitation provider". 

15 

24  Paragraph 34A(7)(a) 

16 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

17 

rehabilitation provider". 

18 

25  Paragraph 34A(7)(b) 

19 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

20 

 

(b)  as an approved workplace rehabilitation provider. 

21 

26  Section 34B (heading) 

22 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

23 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

19 

 

34B  Persons may seek approval as workplace rehabilitation 

providers 

27  Section 34B 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

rehabilitation provider". 

28  Subsection 34C(1) 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

rehabilitation provider". 

29  Section 34D (heading) 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

10 

34D  Comcare to establish criteria for approval, or renewal of 

11 

approval, of persons as workplace rehabilitation 

12 

providers 

13 

30  Paragraph 34D(1)(a) 

14 

Omit "rehabilitation program providers", substitute "workplace 

15 

rehabilitation providers". 

16 

31  Section 34E (heading) 

17 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

18 

34E  Comcare to establish operational standards for workplace 

19 

rehabilitation providers 

20 

32  Subsection 34E(1) 

21 

Omit "rehabilitation program providers", substitute "workplace 

22 

rehabilitation providers". 

23 

33  Paragraphs 34E(2)(a) and (b) 

24 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

25 

rehabilitation provider". 

26 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

20 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

34  Subsection 34F(1) 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider" (wherever occurring), substitute 

"workplace rehabilitation provider". 

35  Paragraph 34F(2)(a) 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

rehabilitation provider". 

36  Section 34G 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider" (wherever occurring), substitute 

"workplace rehabilitation provider". 

37  Section 34H (heading) 

10 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

11 

34H  Comcare may also approve persons as workplace rehabilitation 

12 

providers on its own initiative 

13 

38  Subsection 34H(1) 

14 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

15 

rehabilitation provider". 

16 

39  Paragraphs 34H(2)(a) and (b) 

17 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

18 

rehabilitation provider". 

19 

40  Subsection 34H(5) 

20 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider" (wherever occurring), substitute 

21 

"workplace rehabilitation provider". 

22 

41  Section 34J (heading) 

23 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

24 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

21 

 

34J  Persons may seek renewal of approval as workplace 

rehabilitation providers in certain circumstances 

42  Subsection 34J(1) 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider" (wherever occurring), substitute 

"workplace rehabilitation provider". 

43  Subsection 34K(1) 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

rehabilitation provider". 

44  Paragraph 34L(1)(d) 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

10 

rehabilitation provider". 

11 

45  Section 34M 

12 

Omit "an approved rehabilitation program provider", substitute "a 

13 

workplace rehabilitation provider". 

14 

46  Section 34P 

15 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider" (first occurring), substitute 

16 

"workplace rehabilitation provider". 

17 

47  Subparagraph 34P(b)(ii) 

18 

Omit "an approved rehabilitation program provider", substitute "a 

19 

workplace rehabilitation provider". 

20 

48  Section 34Q 

21 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider", substitute "workplace 

22 

rehabilitation provider". 

23 

49  Subsection 34R(1) 

24 

Omit "rehabilitation program provider" (wherever occurring), substitute 

25 

"workplace rehabilitation provider". 

26 

50  After Division 2 of Part III 

27 

Insert: 

28 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

22 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Division 2A--Liable employers 

35  Liable employer--basic rule 

Liable employer for an injury (other than a disease, a designated 

injury or an aggravation of a designated injury) 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, if: 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

for work or an impairment; and 

 

(b)  the injury is not a disease, a designated injury or an 

aggravation of a designated injury; 

the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury means: 

10 

 

(c)  if: 

11 

 

(i)  the employee was employed by an Entity or a 

12 

Commonwealth authority when the injury occurred; and 

13 

 

(ii)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority is not an exempt 

14 

authority; 

15 

 

  the principal officer of the Entity or the principal officer of 

16 

the Commonwealth authority, as the case may be; or 

17 

 

(d)  if the employee was employed by an exempt authority when 

18 

the injury occurred--Comcare; or 

19 

 

(e)  if the employee was employed by a licensed authority when 

20 

the injury occurred--the principal officer of the authority; or 

21 

 

(f)  if the employee was employed by a licensed corporation 

22 

when the injury occurred--the principal officer of the 

23 

corporation. 

24 

Note: 

The liable employer has responsibility under this Part for the 

25 

rehabilitation of the employee. 

26 

Liable employer for a disease 

27 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Act, if: 

28 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

29 

for work or an impairment; and 

30 

 

(b)  the injury is a disease; 

31 

the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury means: 

32 

 

(c)  if: 

33 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

23 

 

 

(i)  the disease was contributed to, to a significant degree, 

by the employee's employment by an Entity or 

Commonwealth Authority; and 

 

(ii)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority is not an exempt 

authority; 

 

  the principal officer of the Entity or the principal officer of 

the Commonwealth authority, as the case may be; or 

 

(d)  if the disease was contributed to, to a significant degree, by 

the employee's employment by an exempt authority--

Comcare; or 

10 

 

(e)  if the disease was contributed to, to a significant degree, by 

11 

the employee's employment by a licensed authority--the 

12 

principal officer of the authority; or 

13 

 

(f)  if the disease was contributed to, to a significant degree, by 

14 

the employee's employment by a licensed corporation--the 

15 

principal officer of the corporation. 

16 

Note: 

The liable employer has responsibility under this Part for the 

17 

rehabilitation of the employee. 

18 

Liable employer for a designated injury 

19 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this Act, if: 

20 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

21 

for work or an impairment; and 

22 

 

(b)  the injury is a designated injury covered by 

23 

paragraph 5A(1)(d); 

24 

the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury means: 

25 

 

(c)  if: 

26 

 

(i)  the designated injury was contributed to, to a significant 

27 

degree, by the employee's employment by an Entity or 

28 

Commonwealth Authority; and 

29 

 

(ii)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority is not an exempt 

30 

authority; 

31 

 

  the principal officer of the Entity or the principal officer of 

32 

the Commonwealth authority, as the case may be; or 

33 

 

(d)  if the designated injury was contributed to, to a significant 

34 

degree, by the employee's employment by an exempt 

35 

authority--Comcare; or 

36 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

24 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(e)  if the designated injury was contributed to, to a significant 

degree, by the employee's employment by a licensed 

authority--the principal officer of the authority; or 

 

(f)  if the designated injury was contributed to, to a significant 

degree, by the employee's employment by a licensed 

corporation--the principal officer of the corporation. 

Note: 

The liable employer has responsibility under this Part for the 

rehabilitation of the employee. 

 

(4)  For the purposes of this Act, if: 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

10 

for work or an impairment; and 

11 

 

(b)  the injury is a designated injury covered by 

12 

paragraph 5A(1)(e); 

13 

the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury means: 

14 

 

(c)  if: 

15 

 

(i)  the relevant pre-existing ailment was contributed to, to a 

16 

significant degree, by the employee's employment by an 

17 

Entity or Commonwealth Authority; and 

18 

 

(ii)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority is not an exempt 

19 

authority; 

20 

 

  the principal officer of the Entity or the principal officer of 

21 

the Commonwealth authority, as the case may be; or 

22 

 

(d)  if the relevant pre-existing ailment was contributed to, to a 

23 

significant degree, by the employee's employment by an 

24 

exempt authority--Comcare; or 

25 

 

(e)  if the relevant pre-existing ailment was contributed to, to a 

26 

significant degree, by the employee's employment by a 

27 

licensed authority--the principal officer of the authority; or 

28 

 

(f)  if the relevant pre-existing ailment was contributed to, to a 

29 

significant degree, by the employee's employment by a 

30 

licensed corporation--the principal officer of the corporation. 

31 

Note: 

The liable employer has responsibility under this Part for the 

32 

rehabilitation of the employee. 

33 

Liable employer for an aggravation of a designated injury 

34 

 

(5)  For the purposes of this Act, if: 

35 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

25 

 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

for work or an impairment; and 

 

(b)  the injury is an aggravation of a designated injury covered by 

paragraph 5A(1)(f); 

the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury means: 

 

(c)  if: 

 

(i)  the aggravation of the designated injury was contributed 

to, to a significant degree, by the employee's 

employment by an Entity or Commonwealth Authority; 

and 

10 

 

(ii)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority is not an exempt 

11 

authority; 

12 

 

  the principal officer of the Entity or the principal officer of 

13 

the Commonwealth authority, as the case may be; or 

14 

 

(d)  if the aggravation of the designated injury was contributed to, 

15 

to a significant degree, by the employee's employment by an 

16 

exempt authority--Comcare; or 

17 

 

(e)  if the aggravation of the designated injury was contributed to, 

18 

to a significant degree, by the employee's employment by a 

19 

licensed authority--the principal officer of the authority; or 

20 

 

(f)  if the aggravation of the designated injury was contributed to, 

21 

to a significant degree, by the employee's employment by a 

22 

licensed corporation--the principal officer of the corporation. 

23 

Note: 

The liable employer has responsibility under this Part for the 

24 

rehabilitation of the employee. 

25 

 

(6)  For the purposes of this Act, if: 

26 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

27 

for work or an impairment; and 

28 

 

(b)  the injury is an aggravation of a designated injury covered by 

29 

paragraph 5A(1)(g); 

30 

the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury means: 

31 

 

(c)  if: 

32 

 

(i)  the relevant pre-existing ailment was contributed to, to a 

33 

significant degree, by the employee's employment by an 

34 

Entity or Commonwealth Authority; and 

35 

 

(ii)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority is not an exempt 

36 

authority; 

37 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

26 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

  the principal officer of the Entity or the principal officer of 

the Commonwealth authority, as the case may be; or 

 

(d)  if the relevant pre-existing ailment was contributed to, to a 

significant degree, by the employee's employment by an 

exempt authority--Comcare; or 

 

(e)  if the relevant pre-existing ailment was contributed to, to a 

significant degree, by the employee's employment by a 

licensed authority--the principal officer of the authority; or 

 

(f)  if the relevant pre-existing ailment was contributed to, to a 

significant degree, by the employee's employment by a 

10 

licensed corporation--the principal officer of the corporation. 

11 

Note: 

The liable employer has responsibility under this Part for the 

12 

rehabilitation of the employee. 

13 

Two or more contributory employments 

14 

 

(7)  For the purposes of subsections (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6), if: 

15 

 

(a)  apart from this subsection, there are 2 or more contributory 

16 

employments for whichever of the following is applicable: 

17 

 

(i)  the disease; 

18 

 

(ii)  the designated injury; 

19 

 

(iii)  the aggravation of the designated injury; 

20 

 

(iv)  the relevant pre-existing ailment; and 

21 

 

(b)  one of those contributory employments occurred more 

22 

recently than the remaining contributory employment or 

23 

contributory employments; 

24 

disregard the remaining contributory employment or contributory 

25 

employments. 

26 

 

(8)  For the purposes of subsection (7), if: 

27 

 

(a)  the disease; or 

28 

 

(b)  the designated injury; or 

29 

 

(c)  the aggravation of the designated injury; or 

30 

 

(d)  the relevant pre-existing ailment; 

31 

was contributed to, to a significant degree, by: 

32 

 

(e)  the employee's employment by an Entity; or 

33 

 

(f)  the employee's employment by a Commonwealth authority; 

34 

or 

35 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

27 

 

 

(g)  the employee's employment by a licensed authority; or 

 

(h)  the employee's employment by a licensed corporation; 

the employment is a contributory employment

Other matters 

 

(8)  Subsections (1) to (6) have effect subject to sections 35A, 35B and 

35C. 

35A  Liable employer ceases to exist 

 

  If: 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

for work or an impairment; and 

10 

 

(b)  apart from this section, the liable employer of the employee 

11 

in relation to the injury is the principal officer of a particular 

12 

Entity or Commonwealth authority; and 

13 

 

(c)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority is not an exempt 

14 

authority; and 

15 

 

(d)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority ceases to exist; 

16 

then: 

17 

 

(e)  the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury 

18 

is: 

19 

 

(i)  Comcare; or 

20 

 

(ii)  if another Entity or Commonwealth authority is 

21 

ascertained in accordance with the regulations--the 

22 

principal officer of that other Entity or Commonwealth 

23 

authority; and 

24 

 

(f)  no other body or person is the liable employer of the 

25 

employee in relation to the injury. 

26 

Note: 

A body or person who becomes the liable employer under this section 

27 

assumes responsibility under this Part for the rehabilitation of the 

28 

employee. 

29 

35B  Liable employer ceases to perform a function 

30 

 

  If: 

31 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

32 

for work or an impairment; and 

33 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

28 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(b)  when the injury was sustained, the employee was employed 

by an Entity or a Commonwealth authority for purposes 

relating to the performance of a particular function by the 

Entity or Commonwealth authority; and 

 

(c)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority is not an exempt 

authority; and 

 

(d)  the Entity or Commonwealth authority ceases to perform that 

function; 

then: 

 

(e)  the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury 

10 

is: 

11 

 

(i)  Comcare; or 

12 

 

(ii)  if another Entity or Commonwealth authority is 

13 

ascertained in accordance with the regulations--the 

14 

principal officer of that other Entity or Commonwealth 

15 

authority; and 

16 

 

(f)  no other body or person is the liable employer of the 

17 

employee in relation to the injury. 

18 

Note: 

A body or person who becomes the liable employer under this section 

19 

assumes responsibility under this Part for the rehabilitation of the 

20 

employee. 

21 

35C  Deemed liable employer 

22 

 

(1)  If an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

23 

work or an impairment, Comcare may, by writing, determine that: 

24 

 

(a)  the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury 

25 

is the principal officer of a specified Entity or 

26 

Commonwealth authority; and 

27 

 

(b)  no other body or person is the liable employer of the 

28 

employee in relation to the injury. 

29 

Note: 

A body or person who becomes the liable employer under this section 

30 

assumes responsibility under this Part for the rehabilitation of the 

31 

employee. 

32 

 

(2)  If Comcare makes a determination under subsection (1) that relates 

33 

to an employee, Comcare must give a copy of the determination to 

34 

the employee. 

35 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

29 

 

 

(3)  A determination under subsection (1) is not a legislative 

instrument. 

Revocation of determination 

 

(4)  If: 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

for work or an impairment; and 

 

(b)  a determination is in force under subsection (1) in relation to 

the injury; 

Comcare may, by writing, revoke the determination. 

 

(5)  If, under subsection (4), Comcare revokes a determination that 

10 

relates to an employee, Comcare must give a copy of the 

11 

revocation to: 

12 

 

(a)  the employee; and 

13 

 

(b)  the person who, after the revocation, is the liable employer of 

14 

the employee in relation to the injury concerned. 

15 

35D  Transitional--change of liable employer 

16 

 

(1)  The regulations may make provision in relation to transitional 

17 

matters arising out of a change from a former liable employer to a 

18 

new liable employer that results from the operation of: 

19 

 

(a)  section 35A; or 

20 

 

(b)  section 35B; or 

21 

 

(c)  section 35C. 

22 

 

(2)  Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may: 

23 

 

(a)  provide that a specified thing done by, or in relation to, the 

24 

former liable employer before the change has effect, after the 

25 

change, as if it had been done by, or in relation to, the new 

26 

liable employer; or 

27 

 

(b)  provide for the new liable employer to be substituted for the 

28 

former liable employer as a party in a specified proceeding 

29 

before a court or tribunal; or 

30 

 

(c)  provide for specified records or documents to be transferred 

31 

to the new liable employer; or 

32 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

30 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(d)  provide that a reference in a specified instrument to the 

former liable employer has effect after the change as if the 

reference were a reference to the new liable employer. 

 

(3)  Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1). 

 

(4)  For the purposes of subsection (2), instrument includes: 

 

(a)  a contract, deed, undertaking or agreement; and 

 

(b)  a notice, authority, order or instruction; and 

 

(c)  an instrument made under an Act or under regulations. 

35E  Delegation by liable employer 

 

(1)  A liable employer who is: 

10 

 

(a)  the principal officer of an Entity; or 

11 

 

(b)  the principal officer of a Commonwealth authority in respect 

12 

of which a licence is not in force under Part VIII; or 

13 

 

(c)  the principal officer of a licensee; 

14 

may, by writing, delegate to an officer of, or a person employed by, 

15 

that Entity, authority or licensee any or all of the powers and 

16 

functions of the liable employer under: 

17 

 

(d)  this Part; or 

18 

 

(e)  a workplace rehabilitation plan. 

19 

 

(2)  In performing functions or exercising powers under a delegation, 

20 

the delegate must comply with any directions of the liable 

21 

employer. 

22 

35F  Deemed delegation by liable employer 

23 

Scope 

24 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

25 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

26 

for work or an impairment; and 

27 

 

(b)  Comcare is satisfied that the liable employer of the employee 

28 

in relation to the injury: 

29 

 

(i)  has failed to fulfil the liable employer's obligations 

30 

under this Part in relation to the employee in an 

31 

adequate or timely manner; or 

32 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

31 

 

 

(ii)  has, to any extent, contravened the liable employer's 

obligations under this Part in relation to the employee; 

and 

 

(c)  Comcare is not the liable employer. 

Delegation 

 

(2)  Comcare may, by writing, determine that the liable employer is 

taken to have delegated to a specified member of the staff of 

Comcare all of the functions and powers of the liable employer 

under: 

 

(a)  sections 36D, 36E, 36F, 36G, 36H and 36J, so far as those 

10 

functions and powers relate to the employee; and 

11 

 

(b)  a workplace rehabilitation plan for the employee. 

12 

 

(3)  Comcare may, by writing, determine that the liable employer is 

13 

taken to have delegated to a specified member of the staff of 

14 

Comcare specified functions or powers, or both, of the liable 

15 

employer under either or both of the following: 

16 

 

(a)  sections 36D, 36E, 36F, 36G, 36H and 36J, so far as those 

17 

functions and powers relate to the employee; 

18 

 

(b)  a workplace rehabilitation plan for the employee. 

19 

35G  Arrangements for the provision of rehabilitation services 

20 

 

  A liable employer may enter into an arrangement with an approved 

21 

workplace rehabilitation provider for either or both of the 

22 

following: 

23 

 

(a)  the provision of rehabilitation services; 

24 

 

(b)  the carrying out of other activities to assist the liable 

25 

employer in performing the functions, or exercising the 

26 

powers, conferred on the liable employer by: 

27 

 

(i)  this Part; or 

28 

 

(ii)  a workplace rehabilitation plan. 

29 

35H  Compensation for acquisition of property 

30 

 

(1)  If the operation of: 

31 

 

(a)  this Division; or 

32 

 

(b)  regulations made for the purposes of this Division; 

33 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

32 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

would result in an acquisition of property (within the meaning of 

paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) from a person otherwise 

than on just terms (within the meaning of that paragraph), the 

Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of 

compensation to the person. 

 

(2)  If the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on the amount 

of the compensation, the person may institute proceedings in a 

court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery from the 

Commonwealth of such reasonable amount of compensation as the 

court determines 

10 

Division 2B--Duties of liable employers 

11 

35J  Liable employer's duty to take all reasonably practicable steps 

12 

to ensure rehabilitation of employee 

13 

 

(1)  If: 

14 

 

(a)  an employee suffers an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

15 

work or an impairment; and 

16 

 

(b)  the liable employer has been formally notified of the injury; 

17 

the liable employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to 

18 

ensure the rehabilitation of the employee. 

19 

Note: 

For an employee who does not have the potential to be in suitable 

20 

employment, the rehabilitation of the employee should be directed 

21 

towards maximising the employee's independent functioning. 

22 

 

(2)  If the liable employer incurs reasonable costs in complying with 

23 

subsection (1) in relation to the employee, the costs may be 

24 

reimbursed by the relevant authority. 

25 

35K  Liable employer's duty to provide suitable employment etc. 

26 

 

(1)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  an employee suffers an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

28 

work or an impairment; and 

29 

 

(b)  the liable employer has been formally notified of the injury; 

30 

and 

31 

 

(c)  the employee is not in suitable employment; and 

32 

 

(d)  the employee has the potential to be in suitable employment; 

33 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

33 

 

the liable employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to: 

 

(e)  provide the employee with suitable employment; or 

 

(f)  assist the employee to find such employment. 

 

(2)  If: 

 

(a)  an employee suffers an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

work or an impairment; and 

 

(b)  the liable employer has been formally notified of the injury; 

and 

 

(c)  the employee is in suitable employment; 

the liable employer must take all reasonably practicable steps to 

10 

maintain the employee in suitable employment. 

11 

 

(3)  In performing a duty imposed by subsection (1) or (2), the liable 

12 

employer must, as far as reasonably practicable, consult: 

13 

 

(a)  the employee concerned; and 

14 

 

(b)  if the liable employer is aware that the employee is receiving 

15 

medical treatment for the injury from, or under the 

16 

supervision of, a legally qualified medical practitioner--that 

17 

practitioner. 

18 

 

(4)  If the liable employer consults a medical practitioner under 

19 

paragraph (3)(b), an amount may be paid to the practitioner, in 

20 

relation to the consultation, by the relevant authority. 

21 

 

(5)  If the liable employer consults a medical practitioner under 

22 

paragraph (3)(b), the medical practitioner may give the liable 

23 

employer information about the employee that is relevant to the 

24 

consultation. 

25 

Potential to be in suitable employment 

26 

 

(6)  For the purposes of subsection (1), the potential of an employee to 

27 

be in suitable employment is to be ascertained having regard to: 

28 

 

(a)  the potential of the employee to be rehabilitated; and 

29 

 

(b)  the potential of the employee to benefit from medical 

30 

treatment; and 

31 

 

(c)  any other relevant matters. 

32 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

34 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

51  Division 3 of Part III (heading) 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

Division 3--Workplace rehabilitation plans 

52  Sections 35, 36 and 37 

Repeal the sections, substitute: 

36  Workplace rehabilitation plan 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, a workplace rehabilitation plan for 

an employee in relation to an injury means a plan that: 

 

(a)  concerns the rehabilitation of the employee; and 

 

(b)  if: 

10 

 

(i)  the employee is not in suitable employment; and 

11 

 

(ii)  the employee has the potential to be in suitable 

12 

employment; 

13 

 

  is directed towards returning the employee to suitable 

14 

employment as soon as practicable; and 

15 

 

(c)  if the employee is in suitable employment--is directed 

16 

towards maintaining the employee in suitable employment; 

17 

and 

18 

 

(d)  if the employee does not have the potential to be in suitable 

19 

employment--is directed towards maximising the 

20 

employee's independent functioning. 

21 

Note: 

Workplace rehabilitation plans are formulated by a liable employer 

22 

under section 36F. 

23 

 

(2)  A workplace rehabilitation plan may make provision for any or all 

24 

of the following: 

25 

 

(a)  initial rehabilitation assessment; 

26 

 

(b)  functional assessment; 

27 

 

(c)  workplace assessment; 

28 

 

(d)  job analysis; 

29 

 

(e)  advice about job modification; 

30 

 

(f)  occupational rehabilitation counselling; 

31 

 

(g)  vocational assessment; 

32 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

35 

 

 

(h)  job seeking; 

 

(i)  training in relation to job seeking; 

 

(j)  advice or assistance about job seeking; 

 

(k)  vocational education or training; 

 

(l)  advice or assistance about arranging vocational education or 

training; 

 

(m)  participation in interviews (whether face-to-face or by 

telephone); 

 

(n)  advice or assistance about planning for: 

 

(i)  the return to work of the employee; or 

10 

 

(ii)  maintaining the employee in work; 

11 

 

(o)  the provision of aids, appliances, apparatus or other material 

12 

that is necessary to facilitate: 

13 

 

(i)  the return to work of the employee; or 

14 

 

(ii)  maintaining the employee in work; 

15 

 

(p)  modification of: 

16 

 

(i)  a work station; or 

17 

 

(ii)  equipment used by the employee; 

18 

 

  where the modification is necessary to facilitate: 

19 

 

(iii)  the return to work of the employee; or 

20 

 

(iv)  maintaining the employee in work; 

21 

 

(q)  a service prescribed by the regulations. 

22 

 

(3)  Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1). 

23 

 

(4)  For the purposes of subsection (1), the potential of the employee to 

24 

be in suitable employment is to be ascertained having regard to: 

25 

 

(a)  the potential of the employee to be rehabilitated; and 

26 

 

(b)  the potential of the employee to benefit from medical 

27 

treatment; and 

28 

 

(c)  any other relevant matters. 

29 

Plan is not a legislative instrument 

30 

 

(5)  A workplace rehabilitation plan is not a legislative instrument. 

31 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

36 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

36A  Employee's responsibilities under a workplace rehabilitation 

plan 

 

(1)  A workplace rehabilitation plan for an employee may provide that 

one or more specified activities are to be carried out by the 

employee under the plan. 

 

(2)  The obligations imposed on the employee by the plan are to be 

known as the employee's responsibilities under the plan. 

36B  Obligations of liable employer under a workplace rehabilitation 

plan 

 

(1)  A workplace rehabilitation plan for an employee may provide that 

10 

one or more specified activities are to be carried out by the liable 

11 

employer under the plan. 

12 

 

(2)  If a workplace rehabilitation plan is in force, a liable employer 

13 

must comply with the plan, to the extent that the plan imposes 

14 

obligations on the employer. 

15 

36C  When liable employer is formally notified of an injury etc. 

16 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, if an employee suffers an injury 

17 

resulting in an incapacity for work or an impairment, the liable 

18 

employer is formally notified of the injury if, and only if: 

19 

 

(a)  a notice of the injury, or a copy of such a notice, is given to 

20 

the liable employer under section 53; or 

21 

 

(b)  a copy of a provisional medical expense payment request 

22 

relating to the injury is given to the liable employer under 

23 

section 52C; or 

24 

 

(c)  a claim for compensation in respect of the injury, or a copy of 

25 

such a claim, is given to the liable employer under section 54. 

26 

Note: 

Formal notification of the injury will result in the liable employer 

27 

assuming responsibility under this Part for the rehabilitation of the 

28 

employee. 

29 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

30 

 

(a)  an employee believes on reasonable grounds that he or she 

31 

has suffered an injury (the alleged injury); and 

32 

 

(b)  the alleged injury is not an injury; and 

33 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

37 

 

 

(c)  the employee purports to give notice of the alleged injury 

under section 53; and 

 

(d)  the relevant authority has not determined a claim for 

compensation in respect of the alleged injury; 

then: 

 

(e)  until the relevant authority determines such a claim, the 

alleged injury is taken to be an injury; and 

 

(f)  the notice is taken: 

 

(i)  to be a notice of the injury; and 

 

(ii)  to have been given under section 53. 

10 

36D  Liable employer must consider the need for a workplace 

11 

rehabilitation plan 

12 

 

  If: 

13 

 

(a)  an employee suffers an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

14 

work or an impairment; and 

15 

 

(b)  there is no workplace rehabilitation plan for the employee in 

16 

relation to the injury; and 

17 

 

(c)  the liable employer has been formally notified of the injury; 

18 

the liable employer must consider: 

19 

 

(d)  whether there should be a workplace rehabilitation plan for 

20 

the employee in relation to the injury; and 

21 

 

(e)  if so, the content of the plan. 

22 

36E  Employee may request workplace rehabilitation plan 

23 

 

(1)  If: 

24 

 

(a)  an employee suffers an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

25 

work or an impairment; and 

26 

 

(b)  there is no workplace rehabilitation plan for the employee in 

27 

relation to the injury; and 

28 

 

(c)  the liable employer has been formally notified of the injury; 

29 

the employee may, by written notice given to the liable employer, 

30 

request the liable employer to formulate a workplace rehabilitation 

31 

plan for the employee in relation to the injury. 

32 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

38 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(2)  The liable employer must consider a request made to the liable 

employer under subsection (1). 

 

(3)  The liable employer must take reasonable steps to ensure that a 

decision on the request is made within 7 working days after the 

request was made. 

36F  Formulation of workplace rehabilitation plan 

 

(1)  If: 

 

(a)  an employee suffers an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

work or an impairment; and 

 

(b)  the liable employer has been formally notified of the injury; 

10 

the liable employer may, by writing, formulate a workplace 

11 

rehabilitation plan for the employee in relation to the injury. 

12 

 

(2)  The liable employer may formulate a workplace rehabilitation plan 

13 

for an employee even if the employee has not made a request under 

14 

section 36E. 

15 

 

(3)  If: 

16 

 

(a)  an employee suffers an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

17 

work or an impairment; and 

18 

 

(b)  the liable employer has been formally notified of the injury; 

19 

the liable employer may decide not to formulate a workplace 

20 

rehabilitation plan for the employee in relation to the injury. 

21 

 

(4)  If the liable employer decides not to formulate a workplace 

22 

rehabilitation plan for the employee in relation to the injury, the 

23 

liable employer must notify the employee in writing of that 

24 

decision. 

25 

36G  Variation or revocation of workplace rehabilitation plan 

26 

 

  If there is a workplace rehabilitation plan for an employee, the 

27 

liable employer may, by writing, vary or revoke the plan. 

28 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

39 

 

36H  Consultation about workplace rehabilitation plan 

 

(1)  Before a liable employer formulates, varies or revokes a workplace 

rehabilitation plan for an employee in relation to an injury, the 

liable employer must, as far as reasonably practicable, consult: 

 

(a)  the employee; and 

 

(b)  if the liable employer or provider is aware that the employee 

is receiving medical treatment for the injury from, or under 

the supervision of, a legally qualified medical practitioner--

that practitioner; and 

 

(c)  if the liable employer is not the current employer of the 

10 

employee--the current employer. 

11 

 

(2)  The employee must participate in the consultation under 

12 

paragraph (1)(a). 

13 

 

(3)  A failure to comply with subsection (2) does not affect the validity 

14 

of the formulation, variation or revocation, as the case may be, of 

15 

the workplace rehabilitation plan. 

16 

 

(4)  If the liable employer consults a medical practitioner under 

17 

paragraph (1)(b), an amount may be paid to the practitioner, in 

18 

relation to the consultation, by the relevant authority. 

19 

 

(5)  If the liable employer consults a medical practitioner under 

20 

paragraph (1)(b), the medical practitioner may give the liable 

21 

employer information about the employee that is relevant to the 

22 

consultation. 

23 

 

(6)  If the liable employer consults the current employer under 

24 

paragraph (1)(c), the current employer may give the liable 

25 

employer information about the employee that is relevant to the 

26 

consultation. 

27 

36J  Notification of workplace rehabilitation plan etc. 

28 

 

(1)  If a liable employer formulates a workplace rehabilitation plan for 

29 

an employee, the liable employer must: 

30 

 

(a)  give a copy of the plan to the employee; and 

31 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

40 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(b)  if the employee has responsibilities under the plan--inform 

the employee that the employee has responsibilities under the 

plan. 

 

(2)  If: 

 

(a)  a liable employer formulates a workplace rehabilitation plan 

for an employee; and 

 

(b)  the liable employer is not the current employer of the 

employee; 

the liable employer must give a copy of the plan to the current 

employer. 

10 

 

(3)  If: 

11 

 

(a)  a liable employer formulates a workplace rehabilitation plan 

12 

for an employee; and 

13 

 

(b)  the liable employer is not the relevant authority; 

14 

the liable employer must give a copy of the plan to the relevant 

15 

authority. 

16 

Variation or revocation 

17 

 

(4)  If a liable employer varies or revokes a workplace rehabilitation 

18 

plan for an employee, the liable employer must give a copy of the 

19 

variation or revocation to the employee. 

20 

 

(5)  If: 

21 

 

(a)  a liable employer varies or revokes a workplace rehabilitation 

22 

plan for an employee; and 

23 

 

(b)  the liable employer is not the current employer of the 

24 

employee; 

25 

the liable employer must give a copy of the variation or revocation 

26 

to the current employer. 

27 

 

(6)  If: 

28 

 

(a)  a liable employer varies or revokes a workplace rehabilitation 

29 

plan for an employee; and 

30 

 

(b)  the liable employer is not the relevant authority; 

31 

the liable employer must give a copy of the variation or revocation 

32 

to the relevant authority. 

33 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

41 

 

36K  Costs associated with workplace rehabilitation plan 

 

(1)  If there is a workplace rehabilitation plan for an employee in 

relation to an injury, the cost of carrying out the plan must be paid 

by the relevant authority. 

 

(2)  If: 

 

(a)  an employee suffers an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

work or an impairment; and 

 

(b)  the liable employer has been formally notified of the injury; 

and 

 

(c)  the liable employer incurs reasonable costs in performing the 

10 

functions, or exercising the powers, conferred on the liable 

11 

employer by section 36D, 36E, 36F, 36G, 36H or 36J in 

12 

relation to the employee; 

13 

the costs may be reimbursed by the relevant authority. 

14 

36L  Current employer must facilitate workplace rehabilitation plan 

15 

 

  If: 

16 

 

(a)  there is a workplace rehabilitation plan for an employee in 

17 

relation to an injury; and 

18 

 

(b)  the liable employer is not the current employer of the 

19 

employee; 

20 

then: 

21 

 

(c)  the current employer must, as far as reasonably practicable, 

22 

cooperate with the liable employer in relation to the plan; and 

23 

 

(d)  the current employer must, as far as reasonably practicable, 

24 

take all reasonable steps to allow the employee to fulfil the 

25 

employee's responsibilities under the plan. 

26 

36M  Notification of circumstances that affect employee's ability to 

27 

carry out a job-seeking activity under a workplace 

28 

rehabilitation plan 

29 

 

  If: 

30 

 

(a)  there is a workplace rehabilitation plan for an employee; and 

31 

 

(b)  the plan provides that one or more job-seeking activities are 

32 

to be carried out by the employee under the plan; 

33 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

42 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

the employee must: 

 

(c)  notify the liable employer, in writing, of any change to the 

employee's circumstances that affects the employee's ability 

to carry out those activities; and 

 

(d)  do so as soon as practicable, and in any event within 3 

working days, after the employee becomes aware of the 

change. 

53  Section 38 (heading) 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

38  Review of certain determinations 

10 

54  Before subsection 38(1) 

11 

Insert: 

12 

Review by Comcare 

13 

55  Subsection 38(1) 

14 

Omit "rehabilitation authority", substitute "liable employer". 

15 

56  Subsection 38(1) 

16 

After "relevant authority", insert "or the principal officer of a licensed 

17 

corporation". 

18 

57  Subsection 38(1) 

19 

Omit "36 or 37", substitute "36F or 36G". 

20 

58  Subsection 38(1) 

21 

Omit "authority shall", substitute "liable employer must". 

22 

59  Subsection 38(2) 

23 

Omit "36 or 37", substitute "36F or 36G". 

24 

60  Subsection 38(2) 

25 

Omit "rehabilitation authority", substitute "liable employer". 

26 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

43 

 

61  Subsection 38(2) 

After "relevant authority", insert "or the principal officer of a licensed 

corporation". 

62  At the end of section 38 

Add: 

Review by relevant authority 

 

(5)  If: 

 

(a)  the liable employer of an employee in relation to an injury is 

the principal officer of a licensed corporation; and 

 

(b)  the liable employer makes a determination under section 36F 

10 

in relation to the employee; 

11 

the liable employer must: 

12 

 

(c)  give the employee a written notice setting out: 

13 

 

(i)  the terms of the determination; and 

14 

 

(ii)  the reasons for the determination; and 

15 

 

(iii)  a statement to the effect that the employee may, if 

16 

dissatisfied with the determination, request the relevant 

17 

authority for a review of the determination under this 

18 

section; and 

19 

 

(d)  do so as soon as practicable after the liable employer makes 

20 

the determination. 

21 

 

(6)  If: 

22 

 

(a)  the liable employer of an employee in relation to an injury is 

23 

the principal officer of a licensed corporation; and 

24 

 

(b)  the liable employer makes a determination under section 36F 

25 

in relation to the employee; and 

26 

 

(c)  the employee has made a claim for compensation in relation 

27 

to the injury; 

28 

the employee may, by written notice given to the relevant 

29 

authority, request the relevant authority to review the 

30 

determination. 

31 

 

(7)  A request must: 

32 

 

(a)  set out the reasons for the request; and 

33 

 

(b)  be given to the relevant authority: 

34 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

44 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(i)  within 30 days after the day on which the determination 

first came to the notice of the employee; or 

 

(ii)  within such further period (if any) as the relevant 

authority, either before or after the expiration of that 

period, allows. 

 

(8)  After whichever is the later of the following: 

 

(a)  the receipt of a request to review a section 36F determination 

in relation to the employee; 

 

(b)  the determination of the employee's claim for compensation 

in relation to the injury; 

10 

the relevant authority: 

11 

 

(c)  must review the section 36F determination; and 

12 

 

(d)  may make a decision affirming or revoking the section 36F 

13 

determination or varying the section 36F determination in 

14 

such manner as the relevant authority thinks fit. 

15 

Definitions 

16 

 

(9)  In this section: 

17 

decision has the same meaning as in the Administrative Appeals 

18 

Tribunal Act 1975

19 

determination means a determination, decision or requirement. 

20 

63  After section 38 

21 

Insert: 

22 

38A  Exempt authorities 

23 

 

(1)  The Minister may, by writing, declare that a specified Entity or a 

24 

specified Commonwealth authority is an exempt authority for the 

25 

purposes of this Act. 

26 

 

(2)  A declaration under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument. 

27 

64  Before section 39 

28 

Insert: 

29 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

45 

 

Division 4--Work readiness assessment 

38B  Assessment of capacity to undertake suitable employment 

 

(1)  If an employee suffers an injury resulting in an incapacity for 

work, the relevant authority may require the employee to undergo 

an assessment of the employee's capacity to undertake suitable 

employment. 

 

(2)  An assessment under subsection (1) is to be known as a work 

readiness assessment

 

(3)  A work readiness assessment must be made by: 

 

(a)  a legally qualified medical practitioner nominated by the 

10 

relevant authority; or 

11 

 

(b)  a suitably qualified person (other than a legally qualified 

12 

medical practitioner) nominated by the relevant authority; or 

13 

 

(c)  a panel comprising of such legally qualified medical 

14 

practitioners or other suitably qualified persons (or both) as 

15 

are nominated by the relevant authority. 

16 

 

(4)  The relevant authority may require the employee to undergo an 

17 

examination by the person or panel of persons making the 

18 

assessment. 

19 

 

(5)  The examination is taken to be part of the assessment. 

20 

38C  Report of work readiness assessment 

21 

 

(1)  If an employee undergoes a work readiness assessment, the person 

22 

or persons who conducted the assessment must give a report of the 

23 

assessment to the relevant authority. 

24 

 

(2)  A report of the work readiness assessment must be in accordance 

25 

with any rules in force under subsection (3). 

26 

 

(3)  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, make rules for the 

27 

purposes of subsection (2). 

28 

 

(4)  If: 

29 

 

(a)  an employee undergoes a work readiness assessment in 

30 

compliance with a requirement of the relevant authority; and 

31 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

46 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(b)  the relevant authority is not the liable employer; 

the relevant authority may give a copy of a report of the assessment 

to the liable employer. 

 

(5)  If the liable employer receives a copy of the report of the 

assessment, the liable employer may use the report for the purposes 

of the exercise of the powers, or the performance of the functions, 

of the liable employer under this Part. 

38D  Cost of carrying out work readiness assessment 

 

(1)  If a relevant authority requires an employee to undergo a work 

readiness assessment, the relevant authority is liable to pay: 

10 

 

(a)  the costs of conducting the assessment; and 

11 

 

(b)  an amount equal to the amount of the expenditure reasonably 

12 

incurred by the employee: 

13 

 

(i)  in making a necessary journey in connection with the 

14 

assessment; or 

15 

 

(ii)  in remaining, for the purpose of the assessment, at a 

16 

place to which the employee has made a journey for that 

17 

purpose. 

18 

 

(2)  The matters to which the relevant authority is to have regard in 

19 

deciding questions arising under paragraph (1)(b) include: 

20 

 

(a)  the means of transport available to the employee for the 

21 

journey; and 

22 

 

(b)  the route or routes by which the employee could have 

23 

travelled; and 

24 

 

(c)  the accommodation available to the employee. 

25 

38E  Relevant authority to comply with rules 

26 

 

(1)  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, make rules to be complied 

27 

with by relevant authorities in relation to the performance of their 

28 

functions, or the exercise of their powers, under this Division. 

29 

 

(2)  A relevant authority must comply with any rules in force under 

30 

subsection (1). 

31 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

47 

 

Division 5--Miscellaneous 

65  Paragraph 39(1)(b) 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

 

(b)  either: 

 

(i)  the employee is fulfilling, or has fulfilled, the 

employee's responsibilities under a workplace 

rehabilitation plan for the employee in relation to the 

injury; or 

 

(ii)  the liable employer has refused to formulate a 

workplace rehabilitation plan for the employee in 

10 

relation to the injury; 

11 

66  Subsection 39(1) 

12 

Omit "of the rehabilitation program", substitute "of the workplace 

13 

rehabilitation plan". 

14 

67  Sections 40, 41 and 41A 

15 

Repeal the sections. 

16 

68  At the end of Division 3 of Part III 

17 

Add: 

18 

41E  Liable employers to comply with rules 

19 

 

(1)  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, make rules to be complied 

20 

with by liable employers in relation to the performance of their 

21 

functions, or the exercise of their powers, under this Part. 

22 

 

(2)  A liable employer must comply with any rules in force under 

23 

subsection (1). 

24 

69  Part V (heading) 

25 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

26 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

48 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part V--Claims for compensation etc. 

70  Subsection 53(1) 

After "relevant authority", insert "or the liable employer". 

71  After subsection 53(2) 

Insert: 

 

(2A)  If: 

 

(a)  notice under subsection (1) is given to a relevant authority in 

relation to an employee; and 

 

(b)  the relevant authority is not the liable employer; 

the relevant authority: 

10 

 

(c)  must: 

11 

 

(i)  inform the liable employer of the contents of the notice; 

12 

and 

13 

 

(ii)  do so within 3 working days after receiving the notice; 

14 

and 

15 

 

(d)  may give the liable employer information about the employee 

16 

that is relevant to the injury. 

17 

 

(2B)  If: 

18 

 

(a)  notice under subsection (1) is given to the liable employer in 

19 

relation to an employee; and 

20 

 

(b)  the liable employer is not the relevant authority; 

21 

the liable employer: 

22 

 

(c)  must: 

23 

 

(i)  inform the relevant authority of the contents of the 

24 

notice; and 

25 

 

(ii)  do so within 3 working days after receiving the notice; 

26 

and 

27 

 

(d)  may give the relevant authority information about the 

28 

employee that is relevant to the injury. 

29 

 

(2C)  If a provisional medical expense payment request is given to a 

30 

relevant authority by or on behalf of an employee, in relation to an 

31 

injury suffered by the employee, this Act has effect as if the 

32 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

49 

 

request were a notice of the injury given to the relevant authority 

by the employee under subsection (1). 

72  At the end of paragraph 53(3)(a) 

Add "and". 

73  At the end of section 53 

Add: 

 

(4)  If: 

 

(a)  a notice purporting to be a notice referred to in subsection (1) 

has been given to the liable employer; and 

 

(b)  the notice, as regards the time of giving the notice or 

10 

otherwise, failed to comply with the requirements of this 

11 

section; and 

12 

 

(c)  either: 

13 

 

(i)  the liable employer would not, by reason of the failure, 

14 

be prejudiced if the notice were treated as a sufficient 

15 

notice; or 

16 

 

(ii)  the failure resulted from the death, or absence from 

17 

Australia, of a person, from ignorance, from a mistake 

18 

or from any other reasonable cause; 

19 

the notice is to be taken to have been given under subsection (1). 

20 

74  After subsection 54(4) 

21 

Insert: 

22 

 

(4A)  If: 

23 

 

(a)  a claim is given to a relevant authority in relation to an 

24 

employee; and 

25 

 

(b)  the relevant authority is not the liable employer; 

26 

the relevant authority: 

27 

 

(c)  must give a copy of the claim to the liable employer; and 

28 

 

(d)  may give the liable employer information about the employee 

29 

that is relevant to the claim. 

30 

75  Subsection 57(1) 

31 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

32 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

50 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(1)  If: 

 

(a)  a notice has been given to a relevant authority under 

section 53 in relation to an employee; or 

 

(b)  an employee has made a claim for compensation under 

section 54; or 

 

(c)  one or more payments of compensation are being made to an 

employee under this Act by a relevant authority; 

the relevant authority may require the employee to undergo an 

examination by: 

 

(d)  a legally qualified medical practitioner nominated by the 

10 

relevant authority; or 

11 

 

(e)  a suitably qualified person (other than a medical practitioner) 

12 

nominated by the relevant authority; or 

13 

 

(f)  a panel comprising such legally qualified medical 

14 

practitioners or other suitably qualified persons (or both) as 

15 

are nominated by the relevant authority. 

16 

76  At the end of section 57 

17 

Add: 

18 

 

(7)  The relevant authority may require an employee to undergo an 

19 

examination under this section in order to assist the liable employer 

20 

to make a decision about the formulation, variation or revocation 

21 

of a workplace rehabilitation plan for the employee. 

22 

 

(8)  Subsection (7) does not limit the circumstances in which the 

23 

relevant authority may require an examination. 

24 

77  After section 57 

25 

Insert: 

26 

57A  Report of medical examination etc. 

27 

 

(1)  If an employee undergoes a medical examination under section 57 

28 

in compliance with a requirement by a relevant authority, the 

29 

person or persons who conducted the examination must give a 

30 

report of the examination to the relevant authority. 

31 

 

(2)  If: 

32 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

51 

 

 

(a)  an employee undergoes an examination under section 57 in 

compliance with a requirement of a relevant authority; and 

 

(b)  the relevant authority is not the liable employer; 

the relevant authority may give a copy of a report of the 

examination to the liable employer. 

 

(3)  If the liable employer receives a copy of the report of the 

examination, the liable employer may use the report for the 

purposes of the exercise of the powers, or the performance of the 

functions, of the liable employer under Part III. 

78  Subsection 60(1) (definition of determination

10 

After "means", insert "(subject to subsections (5), (6) and (7))". 

11 

79  Subsection 60(1) (definition of determination

12 

Omit "36, 37", substitute "36F, 36G". 

13 

80  Subsection 60(1) (definition of reviewable decision

14 

After "38(4)", insert "or (8)". 

15 

81  At the end of section 60 

16 

Add: 

17 

 

(5)  If a liable employer makes a decision under section 36F to 

18 

formulate a workplace rehabilitation plan for an employee, that 

19 

decision is taken not to be a determination for the purposes of this 

20 

Part to the extent to which the provisions of the plan are authorised 

21 

by section 36A or 36B. 

22 

 

(6)  If: 

23 

 

(a)  a liable employer makes a decision under section 36G to vary 

24 

a provision of a workplace rehabilitation plan for an 

25 

employee; and 

26 

 

(b)  the varied provision is authorised by section 36A or 36B; 

27 

that decision is taken not to be a determination for the purposes of 

28 

this Part. 

29 

 

(7)  If: 

30 

 

(a)  a liable employer makes a decision under section 36G to vary 

31 

a workplace rehabilitation plan for an employee; and 

32 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

52 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(b)  the employee has consented to the variation; 

that decision is taken not to be a determination for the purposes of 

this Part. 

82  Paragraph 69(b) 

Repeal the paragraph. 

83  Paragraph 69(f) 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

 

(f)  to take steps directed towards ensuring that each liable 

employer is complying with the liable employer's obligations 

under Part III; 

10 

84  Before section 71 

11 

Insert: 

12 

70D  Comcare Incentive Scheme for Employers 

13 

 

(1)  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, formulate a scheme that 

14 

authorises Comcare to make payments to employers as an 

15 

incentive to provide suitable employment for employees who: 

16 

 

(a)  have suffered an injury; and 

17 

 

(b)  are unemployed; and 

18 

 

(c)  are seeking paid work. 

19 

 

(2)  The scheme is to be known as the Comcare Incentive Scheme for 

20 

Employers. 

21 

 

(3)  An employer covered by the scheme may be: 

22 

 

(a)  a Commonwealth authority; or 

23 

 

(b)  an Entity; or 

24 

 

(c)  a licensed corporation; or 

25 

 

(d)  any other employer. 

26 

 

(4)  For the purposes of paragraph 69(ef), a function conferred on 

27 

Comcare by the scheme is taken to be a function under this Act. 

28 

85  Before section 122 

29 

Insert: 

30 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

53 

 

121C  Variation or revocation of instruments 

 

  A provision of this Act that deals with the variation or revocation 

of an instrument does not, by implication, prevent the application 

of subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to another 

instrument under this Act. 

Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 

86  Section 48 (definition of approved program provider

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

approved program provider means an approved workplace 

rehabilitation provider within the meaning of the Safety, 

10 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

11 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 2  Amendments contingent on the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015 

 

 

54 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 2

--Amendments contingent on the 

commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation 

Legislation Amendment Act 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

87  After subsection 35E(1) 

Insert: 

 

(1A)  If: 

 

(a)  a liable employer is the principal officer of a licensed 

corporation; and 

10 

 

(b)  the corporation is covered by a group employer licence; 

11 

the liable employer may, in writing, delegate to an officer of, or a 

12 

person employed by, any other corporation covered by the licence 

13 

all or any of the powers and functions of the liable employer under: 

14 

 

(c)  this Part; or 

15 

 

(d)  a workplace rehabilitation plan. 

16 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

Amendments contingent on the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) Act 

2015  Part 3 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

55 

 

Part 3

--Amendments contingent on the 

commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to 

the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation 

Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) 

Act 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

88  Subsection 4(1) (at the end of the definition of liable 

employer

Add "and sections 41B, 41C and 41D". 

89  At the end of paragraph 35A(d) 

10 

Add "and". 

11 

90  After paragraph 35A(d) 

12 

Insert: 

13 

 

(da)  section 41C does not apply to the cessation; 

14 

91  After paragraph 35H(1)(a) 

15 

Insert: 

16 

 

(aa)  section 41B; or 

17 

 

(ab)  section 41C; or 

18 

 

(ac)  section 41D; or 

19 

92  Section 41B 

20 

Before "If:" insert "(1)". 

21 

93  Section 41B 

22 

Omit "then:", substitute "the following provisions have effect:". 

23 

94  Paragraphs 41B(d) and (e) 

24 

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute: 

25 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 3  Amendments contingent on the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) 

Act 2015 

 

 

56 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(d)  if the cessation time occurred at or after the commencement 

of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Amendment (Improving the Comcare Scheme) 

Act 2015--after the cessation time, the principal officer of 

the body corporate is the liable employer of the employee in 

relation to the injury; 

 

(e)  if the cessation time occurred: 

 

(i)  after the commencement of this section; and 

 

(ii)  before the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment 

10 

(Improving the Comcare Scheme) Act 2015

11 

 

  after the commencement of that Part, the principal officer of 

12 

the body corporate is the liable employer of the employee in 

13 

relation to the injury. 

14 

95  At the end of section 41B 

15 

Add: 

16 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this section, the principal officer of a body 

17 

corporate is the principal executive officer of the body corporate. 

18 

96  Subsection 41C(1) 

19 

Omit "then:", substitute "the following provisions have effect:". 

20 

97  Paragraphs 41C(1)(e) and (f) 

21 

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute: 

22 

 

(e)  if the cessation time occurred at or after the commencement 

23 

of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

24 

Compensation Amendment (Improving the Comcare Scheme) 

25 

Act 2015--after the cessation time, the principal officer of 

26 

the successor is the liable employer of the employee in 

27 

relation to the injury; 

28 

 

(f)  if the cessation time occurred: 

29 

 

(i)  after the commencement of this section; and 

30 

 

(ii)  before the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 

31 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment 

32 

(Improving the Comcare Scheme) Act 2015

33 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

Amendments contingent on the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) Act 

2015  Part 3 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

57 

 

 

  after the commencement of that Part, the principal officer of 

the successor is the liable employer of the employee in 

relation to the injury. 

98  Subsection 41C(2) 

Omit "then:", substitute "the following provisions have effect:". 

99  Paragraphs 41C(2)(f) and (g) 

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute: 

 

(f)  if the cessation time occurred at or after the commencement 

of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Amendment (Improving the Comcare Scheme) 

10 

Act 2015--after the cessation time, the principal officer of 

11 

the successor is the liable employer of the employee in 

12 

relation to the injury; 

13 

 

(g)  if the cessation time occurred: 

14 

 

(i)  after the commencement of this section; and 

15 

 

(ii)  before the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 

16 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment 

17 

(Improving the Comcare Scheme) Act 2015

18 

 

  after the commencement of that Part, the principal officer of 

19 

the successor is the liable employer of the employee in 

20 

relation to the injury. 

21 

100  At the end of section 41C 

22 

Add: 

23 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this section, the principal officer of a body 

24 

corporate (other than a Commonwealth authority or a licensed 

25 

corporation) is the principal executive officer of the body 

26 

corporate. 

27 

101  Section 41D 

28 

Omit "then:", substitute "the following provisions have effect:". 

29 

102  Paragraphs 41D(c) and (d) 

30 

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute: 

31 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 3  Amendments contingent on the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) 

Act 2015 

 

 

58 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(c)  if the cessation time occurred at or after the commencement 

of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Amendment (Improving the Comcare Scheme) 

Act 2015--after the cessation time, the principal officer of 

the Australian Capital Territory is the liable employer of the 

employee in relation to the injury; 

 

(d)  if the cessation time occurred: 

 

(i)  after the commencement of this section; and 

 

(ii)  before the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment 

10 

(Improving the Comcare Scheme) Act 2015

11 

 

  after the commencement of that Part, the principal officer of 

12 

the Australian Capital Territory is the liable employer of the 

13 

employee in relation to the injury. 

14 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

Application and transitional provisions  Part 4 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

59 

 

Part 4

--Application and transitional provisions 

103  Application of amendments 

The amendments made by Part 1 of this Schedule, so far as they relate 

to an injury sustained by an employee, apply in relation to an injury 

sustained before, at or after the commencement of this item. 

104  Transitional

--formal notification of an injury 

If notice of an injury was given, or purportedly given, under section 53 

of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 before the 

commencement of this item, section 36C of that Act (as amended by 

this Schedule) has effect as if a copy of the notice had been given, or 

10 

purportedly given, to the liable employer under section 53 of that Act 

11 

immediately after the commencement of this item. 

12 

105  Transitional

--rehabilitation programs 

13 

(1) 

This item applies if: 

14 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity 

15 

for work or an impairment; and 

16 

 

(b)  before the commencement of this item: 

17 

 

(i)  a rehabilitation authority made a determination under 

18 

subsection 37(1) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

19 

Compensation Act 1988 that the employee should 

20 

undertake a rehabilitation program; and 

21 

 

(ii)  a rehabilitation program began to be provided for the 

22 

employee; and 

23 

 

(c)  the rehabilitation program was in force immediately before 

24 

the commencement of this item. 

25 

(2) 

The rehabilitation program does not lapse because of the repeal of 

26 

section 37 of that Act by this Schedule, but continues in force after the 

27 

commencement of this item, as if: 

28 

 

(a)  it were a workplace rehabilitation plan; and 

29 

 

(b)  that workplace rehabilitation plan had been formulated under 

30 

section 36F of that Act (as amended by this Schedule); and 

31 

Schedule 2  Rehabilitation 

Part 4  Application and transitional provisions 

 

 

60 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(c)  the requirements of section 36H and subsections 36J(1) and 

(2) of that Act (as amended by this Schedule) had been met 

in relation to that workplace rehabilitation plan. 

(3) 

That workplace rehabilitation plan may be varied or revoked under 

section 36G of that Act (as amended by this Schedule). 

106  Transitional

--approval of a person or body as a 

workplace rehabilitation provider 

(1) 

This item applies to an approval of a person or body as a rehabilitation 

program provider if the approval was in force under section 34F or 34H 

of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 immediately 

10 

before the commencement of this item. 

11 

(2) 

The approval has effect, after the commencement of this item, as if it 

12 

were an approval of the person or body as a workplace rehabilitation 

13 

provider under section 34F or 34H, as the case may be, of the Safety, 

14 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 as amended by this 

15 

Schedule. 

16 

107  Transitional

--renewal of approval of a person or body as 

17 

a workplace rehabilitation provider 

18 

(1) 

This item applies to the renewal of the approval of a person or body as a 

19 

rehabilitation program provider if the renewal was in force under 

20 

section 34L of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

21 

immediately before the commencement of this item. 

22 

(2) 

The renewal has effect, after the commencement of this item, as if it 

23 

were the renewal of the approval of the person or body as a workplace 

24 

rehabilitation provider under section 34L of the Safety, Rehabilitation 

25 

and Compensation Act 1988 as amended by this Schedule. 

26 

108  Transitional

--exempt authority 

27 

(1) 

This item applies to a declaration of an Entity or a Commonwealth 

28 

authority as an exempt authority if the declaration was in force under 

29 

section 35 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

30 

immediately before the commencement of this item. 

31 

Rehabilitation  Schedule 2 

Application and transitional provisions  Part 4 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

61 

 

(2) 

The declaration has effect, after the commencement of this item, as if it 

were a declaration of the Entity or Commonwealth authority as an 

exempt authority under section 38A of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 as amended by this Schedule. 

109  Transitional

--medical examination 

Despite the repeal of subsection 57(1) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 by this Schedule, that subsection continues to 

apply, in relation to a requirement given before the commencement of 

this item, as if the repeal had not happened. 

110  Transitional rules 

10 

 

(1)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules 

11 

(transitional rules) prescribing matters of a transitional nature 

12 

(including prescribing any saving or application provisions) 

13 

relating to the amendments or repeals made by Part 1 of this 

14 

Schedule. 

15 

 

(2)  To avoid doubt, the transitional rules may not do the following: 

16 

 

(a)  create an offence or civil penalty; 

17 

 

(b)  provide powers of: 

18 

 

(i)  arrest or detention; or 

19 

 

(ii)  entry, search or seizure; 

20 

 

(c)  impose a tax; 

21 

 

(d)  set an amount to be appropriated from the Consolidated 

22 

Revenue Fund under an appropriation in this Act; 

23 

 

(e)  amend this Act. 

24 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

62 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Schedule 3

--Scheme integrity 

Part 1

--General amendments 

Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 

1  After paragraph (hf) of Schedule 1 

Insert: 

 

(hg)  decisions under section 70C of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

2  Subsections 4(10) and (10A) 

After "VIII", insert "or section 114". 

10 

3  After section 50 

11 

Insert: 

12 

50A  Indemnification by third parties 

13 

Scope 

14 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

15 

 

(a)  compensation is payable under this Act in respect of: 

16 

 

(i)  an injury to an employee; or 

17 

 

(ii)  the loss of, or damage to, property used by an employee; 

18 

and 

19 

 

(b)  the injury, loss or damage occurred in circumstances that 

20 

create a legal liability in a person (the third party), or in 2 or 

21 

more persons (the third parties), to pay: 

22 

 

(i)  damages; or 

23 

 

(ii)  State compensation; 

24 

 

  to the employee, or a dependant of the employee, in respect 

25 

of the injury, loss or damage; and 

26 

 

(c)  the liability has not been discharged; and 

27 

 

(d)  in the case of a third party--the third party is not: 

28 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

63 

 

 

(i)  the Commonwealth; or 

 

(ii)  a Commonwealth authority; or 

 

(iii)  a licensed corporation; or 

 

(iv)  another employee; and 

 

(e)  in the case of third parties--none of the third parties is: 

 

(i)  the Commonwealth; or 

 

(ii)  a Commonwealth authority; or 

 

(iii)  a licensed corporation; or 

 

(iv)  another employee. 

Indemnity 

10 

 

(2)  If the relevant authority has paid compensation under this Act in 

11 

respect of the injury, loss or damage: 

12 

 

(a)  the relevant authority is entitled to be indemnified by the 

13 

third party or third parties; and 

14 

 

(b)  if subparagraph (1)(b)(i) applies--that indemnity is limited to 

15 

the lesser of: 

16 

 

(i)  those damages; or 

17 

 

(ii)  the amount that would be payable by the employee or 

18 

the dependant, as the case may be, under section 48 or 

19 

49 if the damages had been paid to the employee or the 

20 

dependant, as the case may be; and 

21 

 

(c)  if subparagraph (1)(b)(ii) applies--that indemnity is limited 

22 

to the lesser of: 

23 

 

(i)  the State compensation; or 

24 

 

(ii)  the amount that would be payable by the employee or 

25 

the dependant, as the case may be, under section 119 if 

26 

the State compensation had been paid to the employee 

27 

or the dependant, as the case may be; and 

28 

 

(d)  an amount payable under the indemnity may be recovered by 

29 

the relevant authority, as a debt due to the relevant authority, 

30 

by action in a court of competent jurisdiction. 

31 

 

(3)  If: 

32 

 

(a)  a payment is made under the indemnity; and 

33 

 

(b)  at the time of the payment, the employee or the dependant, as 

34 

the case may be, has not obtained judgment or an award for: 

35 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

64 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(i)  damages; or 

 

(ii)  State compensation; 

 

  as the case may be, against the third party or third parties; 

the payment is, to the extent of the amount of the payment, a 

discharge of the liability of the third party or third parties to pay: 

 

(c)  damages; or 

 

(d)  State compensation; 

as the case may be, to the employee or the dependant, as the case 

may be, in respect of the injury, loss or damage. 

 

(4)  If: 

10 

 

(a)  a payment is made under the indemnity; and 

11 

 

(b)  at the time of the payment, the employee or the dependant, as 

12 

the case may be, has obtained judgment or an award for: 

13 

 

(i)  damages; or 

14 

 

(ii)  State compensation; 

15 

 

  as the case may be, against the third party or third parties; 

16 

and 

17 

 

(c)  at the time of the payment, the judgment or award has not 

18 

been satisfied; 

19 

the payment, to the extent of the amount of the payment, satisfies 

20 

the judgment or award. 

21 

 

(5)  If: 

22 

 

(a)  a payment is made under the indemnity; and 

23 

 

(b)  at the time of the payment, the employee or the dependant, as 

24 

the case may be, had a liability to Comcare under section 48, 

25 

49 or 119 in respect of the injury, loss or damage; 

26 

the payment, to the extent of the amount of the payment, satisfies 

27 

that liability. 

28 

Recovery provisions 

29 

 

(6)  This section has effect subject to sections 48, 49 and 119. 

30 

Constitutional limits 

31 

 

(7)  This section has no effect to the extent (if any) to which it imposes 

32 

taxation. 

33 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

65 

 

 

(8)  This section has no effect to the extent (if any) to which its 

operation would result in an acquisition of property (within the 

meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) otherwise than 

on just terms (within the meaning of that paragraph). 

Definitions 

 

(9)  In this section: 

award means an award, determination, order or agreement by 

which provision is made for, or in relation to, the grant of any 

benefits to, or in relation to, persons or their dependants in respect 

of: 

10 

 

(a)  injury; or 

11 

 

(b)  the loss of, or damage to, property; 

12 

where the award, determination or order was made, or the 

13 

agreement was entered into, under a specified law (within the 

14 

meaning of section 119). 

15 

State compensation has the same meaning as in section 119. 

16 

4  Section 51 

17 

Repeal the section. 

18 

5  At the end of section 54 

19 

Add: 

20 

 

(6)  If: 

21 

 

(a)  an employee gives a claim to the Entity or Commonwealth 

22 

authority (other than a licensed authority) in which the 

23 

employee was employed at the time when the relevant injury 

24 

or accident occurred; and 

25 

 

(b)  the employee does so on the understanding that the Entity or 

26 

authority will, on behalf of the employee, give the claim to 

27 

the relevant authority; 

28 

the principal officer of the Entity or authority must ensure that the 

29 

claim is given to the relevant authority within 3 working days after 

30 

the day on which the claim was received. 

31 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

66 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

6  Section 58 

Repeal the section, substitute: 

58  Relevant authority may obtain information or documents from 

claimant 

 

(1)  If: 

 

(a)  a relevant authority has received a claim; and 

 

(b)  the relevant authority is satisfied that the claimant: 

 

(i)  has information or a document that is relevant to the 

claim; or 

 

(ii)  may obtain such information or a copy of such a 

10 

document without unreasonable expense or 

11 

inconvenience; 

12 

the relevant authority may, by written notice given to the claimant, 

13 

require the claimant to: 

14 

 

(c)  give that information or a copy of that document to the 

15 

relevant authority; and 

16 

 

(d)  do so within: 

17 

 

(i)  the period specified in the notice; or 

18 

 

(ii)  such further period (if any) as the relevant authority, at 

19 

the request of the claimant, allows. 

20 

 

(2)  A period specified under subsection (1) must not be shorter than 14 

21 

days after the notice is given. 

22 

Refusal or failure to comply with notice 

23 

 

(3)  If a claimant refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply 

24 

with a notice under subsection (1), the relevant authority may 

25 

refuse to deal with the claim until the claimant gives the relevant 

26 

authority the information, or a copy of the document, specified in 

27 

the notice. 

28 

58A  Relevant authority may obtain information or documents from 

29 

third party 

30 

 

(1)  If: 

31 

 

(a)  a relevant authority has received a claim; and 

32 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

67 

 

 

(b)  the relevant authority is satisfied that a person (other than the 

claimant): 

 

(i)  has information or a document that is relevant to the 

claim; or 

 

(ii)  may obtain such information or a copy of such a 

document without unreasonable expense or 

inconvenience; 

the relevant authority may, by written notice given to the person, 

request the person to: 

 

(c)  give that information or a copy of that document to the 

10 

relevant authority; and 

11 

 

(d)  do so within: 

12 

 

(i)  the period specified in the notice; or 

13 

 

(ii)  such further period (if any) as the relevant authority, at 

14 

the request of the person, allows. 

15 

 

(2)  A period specified under subsection (1) must not be shorter than 14 

16 

days after the notice is given. 

17 

 

(3)  A person may comply with a notice under subsection (1). 

18 

 

(4)  If a person complies with a notice given by a relevant authority 

19 

under subsection (1), an amount may be paid to the person, in 

20 

relation to compliance with the notice, by the relevant authority. 

21 

7  Subsection 60(1) (at the end of the definition of reviewable 

22 

decision

23 

Add: 

24 

Note: 

See also subsection 64(2). 

25 

8  Subsection 61(1A) 

26 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

27 

 

(1A)  If a claim for compensation under this Act relates to an injury that 

28 

is not: 

29 

 

(a)  a disease; or 

30 

 

(b)  a designated injury; or 

31 

 

(c)  an aggravation of a designated injury; 

32 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

68 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

the determining authority must consider and determine the claim, 

to the extent that the claim relates to liability under section 14, 

within the 30-day period that began when the claim was received. 

 

(1B)  If: 

 

(a)  a determining authority receives a claim for compensation 

under this Act; and 

 

(b)  the claim relates to an injury that is not: 

 

(i)  a disease; or 

 

(ii)  a designated injury; or 

 

(iii)  an aggravation of a designated injury; and 

10 

 

(c)  the determining authority has not determined the claim, to the 

11 

extent that the claim relates to liability under section 14, 

12 

within the 30-day period that began when the claim was 

13 

received; 

14 

the determining authority is taken: 

15 

 

(d)  to have made a determination that compensation is not 

16 

payable under section 14; and 

17 

 

(e)  to have done so at the end of that 30-day period. 

18 

 

(1C)  If a claim for compensation under this Act relates to an injury that 

19 

is: 

20 

 

(a)  a disease; or 

21 

 

(b)  a designated injury; or 

22 

 

(c)  an aggravation of a designated injury; 

23 

the determining authority must consider and determine the claim, 

24 

to the extent that the claim relates to liability under section 14, 

25 

within the 70-day period that began when the claim was received. 

26 

 

(1D)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  a determining authority receives a claim for compensation 

28 

under this Act; and 

29 

 

(b)  the claim relates to an injury that is: 

30 

 

(i)  a disease; or 

31 

 

(ii)  a designated injury; or 

32 

 

(iii)  an aggravation of a designated injury; and 

33 

 

(c)  the determining authority has not determined the claim, to the 

34 

extent that the claim relates to liability under section 14, 

35 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

69 

 

within the 70-day period that began when the claim was 

received; 

the determining authority is taken: 

 

(d)  to have made a determination that compensation is not 

payable under section 14; and 

 

(e)  to have done so at the end of that 70-day period. 

9  Subsection 61(2) 

Omit "if that amount of compensation is payable to a person other than 

the employee". 

10  Subsection 62(6) 

10 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

11 

 

(6)  If the determining authority receives a request for the 

12 

reconsideration of a determination, the determining authority or a 

13 

delegate of the determining authority must decide the request 

14 

within the 60-day period that began when the request was received. 

15 

 

(6A)  If: 

16 

 

(a)  the determining authority receives a request for the 

17 

reconsideration of a determination; and 

18 

 

(b)  neither the determining authority, nor a delegate of the 

19 

determining authority, has decided the request within the 

20 

60-day period that began when the request was received; 

21 

the determining authority is taken: 

22 

 

(c)  to have made a decision affirming the determination; and 

23 

 

(d)  to have done so at the end of that 60-day period. 

24 

11  After subsection 64(1) 

25 

Insert: 

26 

 

(2)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  an application has been made to the Administrative Appeals 

28 

Tribunal for review of a decision that was made under 

29 

section 62; and 

30 

 

(b)  the parties to the review agree, in writing, that a specified 

31 

determination should be treated as a reviewable decision; and 

32 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

70 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(c)  the agreement has been lodged with the Administrative 

Appeals Tribunal; and 

 

(d)  the determination and the decision relate to the same 

employee; and 

 

(e)  the determination and the decision are directly or indirectly 

related to: 

 

(i)  the same issue: or 

 

(ii)  the same incident or state of affairs; 

then: 

 

(f)  the determination is taken to be a reviewable decision for the 

10 

purposes of this Part; and 

11 

 

(g)  an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for 

12 

review of the reviewable decision is taken to have been 

13 

made, on the day on which the agreement was lodged with 

14 

the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, by the person who 

15 

made the application mentioned in paragraph (a); and 

16 

 

(h)  the Administrative Appeals Tribunal may deal with those 

17 

applications together. 

18 

12  After section 70B 

19 

Insert: 

20 

70C  Compensation for detriment caused by defective administration 

21 

 

(1)  Comcare may make payments to persons who: 

22 

 

(a)  are or were entitled to compensation under this Act; and 

23 

 

(b)  have suffered a loss as a result of an act or omission of 

24 

Comcare that: 

25 

 

(i)  relates to that compensation; and 

26 

 

(ii)  concerns Comcare's claims management functions or 

27 

powers. 

28 

 

(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial whether the act 

29 

or omission occurred before, at or after the commencement of this 

30 

section. 

31 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

71 

 

Principles 

 

(3)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine principles 

to be complied with by Comcare in making payments under 

subsection (1). 

 

(4)  In making a payment under subsection (1), Comcare must comply 

with any principles determined under subsection (3). 

Annual report 

 

(5)  The annual report prepared by the Chief Executive Officer and 

given to the Minister under section 46 of the Public Governance, 

Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for a period must 

10 

include particulars of each payment under subsection (1) of this 

11 

section during the period. 

12 

Interest 

13 

 

(6)  Section 26 does not, by implication, limit subsection (1) of this 

14 

section. 

15 

13  Section 71 (heading) 

16 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

17 

71  Power to obtain information from Entities, authorities and 

18 

corporations 

19 

14  Subsection 71(1) 

20 

Omit "or authority" (wherever occurring), substitute ", authority or 

21 

corporation". 

22 

15  Section 99 

23 

Insert: 

24 

worker has the same meaning as in the Work Health and Safety Act 

25 

2011

26 

16  Paragraph 104(2)(d) 

27 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

28 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

72 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(d)  the applicant has the capacity to meet the standards set by the 

Commission for the rehabilitation of its employees; and 

 

(e)  the applicant has the capacity to meet the standards set by the 

Commission for the work health and safety of workers who 

carry out work in any capacity for, or for a business or 

undertaking conducted by, the applicant. 

17  Paragraph 104(2A)(a) 

Omit "occupational" (wherever occurring), substitute "work". 

18  Paragraph 104(2A)(a) 

Omit "the applicant's employees", substitute "workers who carry out 

10 

work in any capacity for, or for a business or undertaking conducted by, 

11 

the applicant". 

12 

19  At the end of section 104 

13 

Add: 

14 

 

(5)  For the purposes of this section, the question of whether a worker 

15 

carries out work in any capacity for, or for a business or 

16 

undertaking conducted by, a person is to be determined in the same 

17 

manner as under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011

18 

20  After subsection 108C(8) 

19 

Insert: 

20 

 

(8A)  If: 

21 

 

(a)  a licensee is authorised to manage claims; and 

22 

 

(b)  the licensee institutes proceedings in a court or tribunal; and 

23 

 

(c)  those proceedings relate to: 

24 

 

(i)  a determination made, or taken to have been made, by 

25 

the licensee in managing such a claim; or 

26 

 

(ii)  anything done, or taken to have been done, by the 

27 

licensee in managing such a claim; 

28 

then: 

29 

 

(d)  the licensee must, as soon as practicable: 

30 

 

(i)  inform Comcare that the proceedings have been 

31 

instituted; and 

32 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

73 

 

 

(ii)  inform Comcare of the details of the proceedings; and 

 

(e)  the court or tribunal in which the proceedings have been 

instituted must, on application by Comcare, join Comcare as 

a party to the proceedings. 

21  Subsection 108C(9) 

Omit "or (8)", substitute ", (8) or (8A)". 

22  At the end of section 108C 

Add: 

 

(11)  If: 

 

(a)  either: 

10 

 

(i)  proceedings have been brought against a licensee in 

11 

accordance with subsection (7); or 

12 

 

(ii)  proceedings have been instituted by a licensee as 

13 

mentioned in subsection (8A); and 

14 

 

(b)  the licensee has a document that is relevant to those 

15 

proceedings; and 

16 

 

(c)  Comcare gives the licensee a written notice requiring the 

17 

licensee to: 

18 

 

(i)  make a copy of the document and give the copy to 

19 

Comcare; and 

20 

 

(ii)  do so within the period specified in the notice; 

21 

the licensee must comply with the notice. 

22 

23  Paragraph 108D(1)(e) 

23 

Omit "employees", substitute "workers". 

24 

24  At the end of section 114 

25 

Add: 

26 

 

(3)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  an amount has been paid by Comcare to an employer under 

28 

section 23A, 112A or 112B in consequence of: 

29 

 

(i)  a false or misleading statement or representation; or 

30 

 

(ii)  a failure or omission to comply with a provision of this 

31 

Act; or 

32 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

74 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(b)  an amount that has been paid by Comcare to an employer 

under section 23A, 112A or 112B should not have been paid; 

then: 

 

(c)  the employer must repay the amount to Comcare; and 

 

(d)  the amount repayable by the employer is recoverable by 

Comcare from the employer in a court of competent 

jurisdiction as a debt due to Comcare. 

 

(4)  If: 

 

(a)  an employer repays an amount to Comcare under 

subsection (3); and 

10 

 

(b)  the employer had previously paid an employee a 

11 

corresponding equal amount in accordance with 

12 

subsection 112A(4) or 112B(4); 

13 

then: 

14 

 

(c)  the employee must repay the corresponding equal amount to 

15 

the employer; and 

16 

 

(d)  the amount repayable by the employee is recoverable by the 

17 

employer from the employee in a court of competent 

18 

jurisdiction as a debt due to the employer. 

19 

25  After section 119 

20 

Insert: 

21 

119A  Notification of change of circumstances 

22 

 

(1)  If payments of compensation are being made to an employee under 

23 

this Act by a relevant authority, the employee must: 

24 

 

(a)  notify the relevant authority, in writing, of any change to the 

25 

employee's circumstances that affects: 

26 

 

(i)  the entitlement to that compensation; or 

27 

 

(ii)  the amount of that compensation; and 

28 

 

(b)  do so within 14 days after the employee became aware of the 

29 

change. 

30 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to a change of circumstances if, 

31 

under another provision of this Act, the employee is required to 

32 

notify the relevant authority of that change. 

33 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

75 

 

26  Before section 121A 

Insert: 

120A  Relevant authority may obtain information or documents 

from employee 

 

(1)  If: 

 

(a)  one or more payments of compensation have been, or are 

being, made to, or for the benefit of, an employee under this 

Act by a relevant authority; and 

 

(b)  the relevant authority is satisfied that the employee: 

 

(i)  has information or a document that is relevant to the 

10 

compensation; or 

11 

 

(ii)  may obtain such information or a copy of such a 

12 

document without unreasonable expense or 

13 

inconvenience; 

14 

the relevant authority may, by written notice given to the 

15 

employee, require the employee to: 

16 

 

(c)  give that information or a copy of that document to the 

17 

relevant authority; and 

18 

 

(d)  do so within: 

19 

 

(i)  the period specified in the notice; or 

20 

 

(ii)  such further period (if any) as the relevant authority, at 

21 

the request of the employee, allows. 

22 

 

(2)  A period specified under subsection (1) must not be shorter than 14 

23 

days after the notice is given. 

24 

120B  Relevant authority may obtain information or documents from 

25 

third party 

26 

 

(1)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  one or more payments of compensation have been, or are 

28 

being, made to, or for the benefit of, an employee by a 

29 

relevant authority; and 

30 

 

(b)  the relevant authority is satisfied that a person (other than the 

31 

employee): 

32 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

76 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(i)  has information or a document that is relevant to the 

compensation; or 

 

(ii)  may obtain such information or a copy of such a 

document without unreasonable expense or 

inconvenience; 

the relevant authority may, by written notice given to the person, 

request the person to: 

 

(c)  give that information or a copy of that document to the 

relevant authority; and 

 

(d)  do so within: 

10 

 

(i)  the period specified in the notice; or 

11 

 

(ii)  such further period (if any) as the relevant authority, at 

12 

the request of the person, allows. 

13 

 

(2)  A period specified under subsection (1) must not be shorter than 14 

14 

days after the notice is given. 

15 

 

(3)  A person may comply with a notice under subsection (1). 

16 

 

(4)  If the person complies with a notice given by a relevant authority 

17 

under subsection (1), an amount may be paid to the person, in 

18 

relation to compliance with the notice, by the relevant authority. 

19 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

Amendments contingent on the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

77 

 

Part 2

--Amendments contingent on the 

commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation 

Legislation Amendment Act 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

27  Paragraph 107D(4)(e) 

Omit "occupational", substitute "work". 

28  Paragraph 107D(4)(e) 

Omit "the corporation's employees", substitute "workers who carry out 

work in any capacity for, or for a business or undertaking conducted by, 

10 

the corporation". 

11 

29  Subsection 107D(7) 

12 

Omit "occupational" (wherever occurring), substitute "work". 

13 

30  Subsection 107D(7) 

14 

Omit "the corporation's employees", substitute "workers who carry out 

15 

work in any capacity for, or for a business or undertaking conducted by, 

16 

the corporation". 

17 

31  At the end of section 107D 

18 

Add: 

19 

Workers 

20 

 

(11)  For the purposes of this section, the question of whether a worker 

21 

carries out work in any capacity for, or for a business or 

22 

undertaking conducted by, a person is to be determined in the same 

23 

manner as under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011

24 

32  Paragraph 108C(8A)(a) 

25 

Omit "a licensee", substitute "the licence holder of a single employer 

26 

licence". 

27 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 2  Amendments contingent on the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015 

 

 

78 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

33  Paragraphs 108C(8A)(b), (c) and (d) 

Omit "the licensee" (wherever occurring), substitute "the licence 

holder". 

34  Subparagraphs 108C(11)(a)(i) and (ii) 

Omit "a licensee", substitute "the licence holder of a single employer 

licence". 

35  Paragraphs 108C(11)(b) and (c) 

Omit "the licensee" (wherever occurring), substitute "the licence 

holder". 

36  Subsection 108C(11) 

10 

Omit "the licensee must", substitute "the licence holder must". 

11 

37  After subsection 108CB(4) 

12 

Insert: 

13 

 

(4A)  If: 

14 

 

(a)  a relevant authority for a group employer licence is 

15 

authorised to manage claims; and 

16 

 

(b)  the relevant authority institutes proceedings in a court or 

17 

tribunal; and 

18 

 

(c)  those proceedings relate to: 

19 

 

(i)  a determination made, or taken to have been made, by 

20 

the relevant authority in managing such a claim; or 

21 

 

(ii)  anything done, or taken to have been done, by the 

22 

relevant authority in managing such a claim; 

23 

then: 

24 

 

(d)  the relevant authority must, as soon as practicable: 

25 

 

(i)  inform Comcare that the proceedings have been 

26 

instituted; and 

27 

 

(ii)  inform Comcare of the details of the proceedings; and 

28 

 

(e)  the court or tribunal in which the proceedings have been 

29 

instituted must, on application by Comcare, join Comcare as 

30 

a party to the proceedings. 

31 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

Amendments contingent on the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

79 

 

38  Subsection 108CB(5) 

After "(4)", insert "or (4A)". 

39  At the end of section 108CB 

Add: 

 

(7)  If: 

 

(a)  either: 

 

(i)  proceedings have been brought against a relevant 

authority for a group employer licence in accordance 

with subsection (3); or 

 

(ii)  proceedings have been instituted by a relevant authority 

10 

for a group employer licence as mentioned in 

11 

subsection (4A); and 

12 

 

(b)  the relevant authority has a document that is relevant to those 

13 

proceedings; and 

14 

 

(c)  Comcare gives the relevant authority a written notice 

15 

requiring the relevant authority to: 

16 

 

(i)  make a copy of the document and give the copy to 

17 

Comcare; and 

18 

 

(ii)  do so within the period specified in the notice; 

19 

the relevant authority must comply with the notice. 

20 

40  Paragraph 108DA(2)(e) 

21 

Omit "employees", substitute "workers". 

22 

41  Transitional

--licences 

23 

(1) 

The amendments of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 

24 

1988 made by this Part, so far as they concern a decision to: 

25 

 

(a)  issue a licence under section 107D of that Act; or 

26 

 

(b)  refuse to issue such a licence; 

27 

apply in relation to such a decision if the application for the licence 

28 

concerned was made after the commencement of this item. 

29 

(2) 

The amendment of paragraph 108DA(2)(e) of the Safety, Rehabilitation 

30 

and Compensation Act 1988 made by this Part does not affect the 

31 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 2  Amendments contingent on the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015 

 

 

80 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

continuity of a condition that was covered by that paragraph 

immediately before the commencement of this item. 

(3) 

The Commission may vary a licence condition under 

subsection 108DA(4) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation 

Act 1988 in order to ensure that the condition complies with 

paragraph 108DA(2)(e) of that Act as amended by this Part. 

Scheme integrity  Schedule 3 

General application and transitional provisions  Part 3 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

81 

 

Part 3

--General application and transitional 

provisions 

42  Application of amendments 

(1) 

Section 50A of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

(as amended by Part 1 of this Schedule), so far as it concerns an injury, 

applies in relation to an injury sustained after the commencement of this 

item. 

(2) 

Section 50A of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

(as amended by Part 1 of this Schedule), so far as it concerns the loss of, 

or damage to, property, applies in relation to loss or damage that 

10 

occurred after the commencement of this item. 

11 

(3) 

The amendments made by items 5, 6 and 8 apply in relation to a claim 

12 

made after the commencement of this item. 

13 

(4) 

The amendment made by item 9 applies in relation to a determination 

14 

made after the commencement of this item. 

15 

(5) 

The amendment made by item 10 applies to a request that was received 

16 

after the commencement of this item. 

17 

(6) 

The amendments of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 

18 

1988 made by Part 1 of this Schedule, so far as they concern a decision 

19 

to: 

20 

 

(a)  grant a licence under section 103 of that Act; or 

21 

 

(b)  refuse to grant such a licence; 

22 

apply in relation to such a decision if the application for the licence 

23 

concerned was made after the commencement of this item. 

24 

(7) 

Subsection 114(3) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 

25 

1988 (as amended by Part 1 of this Schedule) applies in relation to an 

26 

amount paid by Comcare to an employer after the commencement of 

27 

this item. 

28 

Schedule 3  Scheme integrity 

Part 3  General application and transitional provisions 

 

 

82 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

43  Transitional

--damages 

Despite the repeal of section 51 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 by Part 1 of this Schedule, that section 

continues to apply, in relation to a notice given before the 

commencement of this item, as if the repeal had not happened. 

44  Transitional

--provision of information 

Despite the repeal of section 58 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 by Part 1 of this Schedule, that section 

continues to apply, in relation to a notice given before the 

commencement of this item, as if the repeal had not happened. 

10 

45  Transitional

--licence condition 

11 

(1) 

The amendment of paragraph 108D(1)(e) of the Safety, Rehabilitation 

12 

and Compensation Act 1988 made by Part 1 of this Schedule does not 

13 

affect the continuity of a condition that was covered by that paragraph 

14 

immediately before the commencement of this item. 

15 

(2) 

The Commission may vary a licence condition under 

16 

subsection 108D(2) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 

17 

1988 in order to ensure that the condition complies with 

18 

paragraph 108D(1)(e) of that Act as amended by Part 1 of this 

19 

Schedule. 

20 

Provisional medical expense payments  Schedule 4 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

83 

 

Schedule 4

--Provisional medical expense 

payments 

Part 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

alleged injury in relation to a provisional medical expense 

payment request under section 52C, has the meaning given by that 

section. 

provisional medical expense payment means a payment under 

10 

section 52D. 

11 

provisional medical expense payment request has the meaning 

12 

given by section 52C. 

13 

2  Subsections 4(10) and (10A) 

14 

After "Part III,", insert "IVA,". 

15 

3  Subsection 13(1) (definition of relevant amount

16 

After "30(1)", insert ", 52D(4)". 

17 

4  Before Part V 

18 

Insert: 

19 

Part IVA--Provisional medical expense payments 

20 

   

21 

52B  Simplified outline of this Part 

22 

•  

An employee who believes on reasonable grounds that he or 

23 

she has suffered an injury may request the relevant authority 

24 

to make a provisional medical expense payment to cover the 

25 

Schedule 4  Provisional medical expense payments 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

84 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

cost of one or more items of medical treatment obtained in 

relation to the injury. 

•  

A request for a provisional medical expense payment may also 

be made: 

 

(a) 

by another person on behalf of an employee who is 

physically or mentally incapable of giving the request 

himself or herself; or 

 

(b) 

by the legal personal representative of a deceased 

employee. 

•  

A request for a provisional medical expense payment must be 

10 

made within 40 working days after the injury. 

11 

•  

There is an indexed cap for a provisional medical expense 

12 

payment. The initial cap is $5,000. 

13 

52C  Provisional medical expense payment request 

14 

 

(1)  Any of the following persons: 

15 

 

(a)  an employee; 

16 

 

(b)  a person acting on behalf of an employee; 

17 

 

(c)  the legal personal representative of a deceased employee; 

18 

may give the relevant authority a written notice that: 

19 

 

(d)  states that: 

20 

 

(i)  if the notice is given by an employee--the employee 

21 

believes on reasonable grounds; or 

22 

 

(ii)  if the notice is given by a person acting on behalf of an 

23 

employee--the person believes on reasonable grounds; 

24 

or 

25 

 

(iii)  if the notice is given by the legal personal representative 

26 

of a deceased employee--the legal personal 

27 

representative believes on reasonable grounds; 

28 

 

  that the employee has suffered an injury (the alleged injury); 

29 

and 

30 

 

(e)  requests the relevant authority to make a provisional medical 

31 

expense payment in respect of the cost of those items of 

32 

medical treatment; and 

33 

Provisional medical expense payments  Schedule 4 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

85 

 

 

(f)  states that the employee has consulted a legally qualified 

medical practitioner about the alleged injury. 

 

(2)  A notice under subsection (1) is to be known as a provisional 

medical expense payment request

 

(3)  A provisional medical expense payment request must: 

 

(a)  be in the form approved in writing by Comcare for the 

purposes of this paragraph; and 

 

(b)  be accompanied by a certificate by a legally qualified 

medical practitioner in the form approved in writing by 

Comcare for the purposes of this paragraph. 

10 

 

(4)  A person is not entitled to give a provisional medical expense 

11 

payment request on behalf of an employee unless the employee is 

12 

physically or mentally incapable of giving the request himself or 

13 

herself. 

14 

 

(5)  If: 

15 

 

(a)  an employee gives a provisional medical expense payment 

16 

request to the Entity or Commonwealth authority (other than 

17 

a licensed authority) in which the employee was employed at 

18 

the time when the alleged injury was sustained; and 

19 

 

(b)  the employee does so on the understanding that the Entity or 

20 

authority will, on behalf of the employee, give the 

21 

provisional medical expense payment request to the relevant 

22 

authority; 

23 

the principal officer of the Entity or authority must ensure that the 

24 

request is given to the relevant authority within 2 working days 

25 

after the day on which the request was received. 

26 

 

(6)  If a provisional medical expense payment request is given to 

27 

Comcare after the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 

28 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving 

29 

the Comcare Scheme) Act 2015, Comcare must cause a copy of the 

30 

provisional medical expense payment request to be given to the 

31 

liable employer of the employee in relation to the alleged injury. 

32 

 

(7)  A provisional medical expense payment request is taken to have 

33 

been made when it is received by the relevant authority. 

34 

Schedule 4  Provisional medical expense payments 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

86 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Deemed provisional medical expense payment request 

 

(8)  If: 

 

(a)  any of the following persons: 

 

(i)  an employee; 

 

(ii)  a person acting on behalf of an employee; 

 

(iii)  the legal personal representative of a deceased 

employee; 

 

  has given the relevant authority a provisional medical 

expense payment request (the original provisional medical 

expense payment request) in respect of one or more items of 

10 

medical treatment obtained in relation to an alleged injury 

11 

suffered by the employee; and 

12 

 

(b)  the person subsequently gives the relevant authority a written 

13 

notice requesting the relevant authority to make a provisional 

14 

medical expense payment in respect of the cost of those other 

15 

items of medical treatment on the same basis as the original 

16 

provisional medical expense payment request; 

17 

this Act (other than this subsection) and the Criminal Code have 

18 

effect as if: 

19 

 

(c)  the notice were another provisional medical expense payment 

20 

request given by the person to the relevant authority in 

21 

respect of those other items of medical treatment; and 

22 

 

(d)  the other provisional medical expense payment request had 

23 

complied with the requirements of subsections (1) and (3); 

24 

and 

25 

 

(e)  the person had stated to the relevant authority that those other 

26 

items of medical treatment were obtained in relation to the 

27 

alleged injury; and 

28 

 

(f)  an amount paid as a result of the other provisional medical 

29 

expense payment request were an amount paid in relation to 

30 

the alleged injury. 

31 

52D  Provisional medical expense payment 

32 

 

(1)  If: 

33 

 

(a)  a provisional medical expense payment request is made in 

34 

respect of the cost of one or more items of medical treatment 

35 

obtained by an employee in relation to an alleged injury; and 

36 

Provisional medical expense payments  Schedule 4 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

87 

 

 

(b)  the provisional medical expense payment request was made 

within 40 working days after the alleged injury was 

sustained; 

the relevant authority is liable to pay, in respect of the cost of those 

items of medical treatment, an amount of provisional medical 

expense payment worked out under subsection (2). 

 

(2)  Subject to subsection (3), the amount is equal to the total amount 

of compensation that would have been payable under section 16 for 

the cost of those items of medical treatment if it were assumed that 

the alleged injury was an injury. 

10 

 

(3)  If the sum of: 

11 

 

(a)  the cost of those items of medical treatment obtained in 

12 

relation to the alleged injury; and 

13 

 

(b)  any amounts that have previously been paid under this 

14 

section in relation to: 

15 

 

(i)  the alleged injury; or 

16 

 

(ii)  an associated injury; 

17 

exceeds the cap set out in subsection (4), the amount payable under 

18 

subsection (1) in respect of the cost of those items of medical 

19 

treatment is to be reduced by the amount of the excess. 

20 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

21 

 

(4)  The cap is $5,000. 

22 

Note: 

For indexation, see section 13. 

23 

 

(5)  An amount of provisional medical expense payment payable by 

24 

Comcare under subsection (1) is payable: 

25 

 

(a)  if the employee has paid the cost of the medical treatment--

26 

to, or in accordance with the directions of, the employee; or 

27 

 

(b)  if: 

28 

 

(i)  the employee dies before the amount is paid and without 

29 

having paid the cost referred to in subsection (1); and 

30 

 

(ii)  another person (not being the legal personal 

31 

representative of the employee) has paid that cost: 

32 

 

  to that other person; or 

33 

 

(c)  in any other case--to the person to whom the cost is payable. 

34 

Schedule 4  Provisional medical expense payments 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

88 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Exception--reasonable grounds 

 

(6)  Subsection (1) does not apply if: 

 

(a)  the relevant authority decides to refuse to make a provisional 

medical expense payment on the grounds that the relevant 

authority has reasonable grounds for not making the 

provisional medical expense payment; and 

 

(b)  that decision is made within 7 working days after the day on 

which the provisional medical expense payment request is 

made. 

 

(7)  The relevant authority has reasonable grounds for not making the 

10 

provisional medical expense payment if, and only if: 

11 

 

(a)  the relevant authority is satisfied that the alleged injury was 

12 

not sustained by the employee; or 

13 

 

(b)  the relevant authority is satisfied that the cost of those items 

14 

of medical treatment is not a cost in respect of which 

15 

compensation is payable under section 16; or 

16 

 

(c)  both: 

17 

 

(i)  the relevant authority, by written notice given to the 

18 

employee, requested the employee to make a claim for 

19 

compensation in respect of the alleged injury; and 

20 

 

(ii)  the employee refused or failed to make such a claim 

21 

within 7 working days after the day on which the 

22 

request is made by the relevant authority; or 

23 

 

(d)  under the regulations, the relevant authority is taken to have 

24 

reasonable grounds for not making the provisional medical 

25 

expense payment. 

26 

 

(8)  If the relevant authority decides to refuse to make a provisional 

27 

medical expense payment on the grounds that the relevant 

28 

authority has reasonable grounds for not making the payment, the 

29 

relevant authority must give the employee, or the legal personal 

30 

representative of the deceased employee, as the case may be, a 

31 

written notice that: 

32 

 

(a)  sets out that decision; and 

33 

 

(b)  specifies the reasonable excuse; and 

34 

 

(c)  states that a claim for compensation under section 16 may be 

35 

made in respect of the cost of those items of medical 

36 

treatment if the requirements of that section are met. 

37 

Provisional medical expense payments  Schedule 4 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

89 

 

Exception--claim determined 

 

(9)  Subsection (1) does not apply if: 

 

(a)  a claim for compensation under section 16 in respect of the 

cost of those items of medical treatment has been made by or 

on behalf of the employee; and 

 

(b)  the claim is determined within 7 working days after the day 

on which the provisional medical expense payment request is 

made. 

52E  Notice of provisional medical expense payment 

 

  If a provisional medical expense payment is payable in respect of 

10 

the cost of one or more items of medical treatment obtained by an 

11 

employee, the relevant authority must give the employee, or the 

12 

legal personal representative of the deceased employee, as the case 

13 

may be, a written notice that: 

14 

 

(a)  explains the effect of subsection 52D(5); and 

15 

 

(b)  explains the effect of sections 52F, 52H and 54. 

16 

52F  Provisional medical expense payment discharges liability to pay 

17 

compensation 

18 

 

  If: 

19 

 

(a)  a provisional medical expense payment is made in respect of 

20 

the cost of one or more items of medical treatment obtained 

21 

by an employee; and 

22 

 

(b)  compensation is payable under section 16 in respect of the 

23 

cost of those items of medical treatment; 

24 

then: 

25 

 

(c)  the making of the provisional medical expense payment is 

26 

taken to have discharged so much of the relevant authority's 

27 

liability to pay the total amount of that compensation as 

28 

equals the amount of the provisional medical expense 

29 

payment; and 

30 

 

(d)  the provisional medical expense payment is not recoverable 

31 

from the employee or the legal personal representative of the 

32 

deceased employee, as the case may be. 

33 

Schedule 4  Provisional medical expense payments 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

90 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

52G  Cost of medical treatment 

 

  Subsections 16(2), (3), (3A), (3B) and (3C) apply for the purposes 

of this Part in the same way as they apply for the purposes of 

subsection 16(1). 

52H  Making a provisional medical expense payment does not 

constitute an acceptance of a claim 

 

  The making of a provisional medical expense payment does not 

constitute an acceptance of a claim. 

52J  Certain documents to be supplied on request 

 

(1)  If: 

10 

 

(a)  a provisional medical expense payment request is made in 

11 

respect of the cost of one or more items of medical treatment 

12 

obtained by an employee; and 

13 

 

(b)  the employee asks the relevant authority to give the employee 

14 

a document held by the authority that relates to the request; 

15 

the relevant authority must give the document to the employee. 

16 

 

(2)  If: 

17 

 

(a)  a provisional medical expense payment request is made in 

18 

respect of the cost of one or more items of medical treatment 

19 

obtained by an employee who has died; and 

20 

 

(b)  the legal personal representative of the deceased employee 

21 

asks the relevant authority to give the legal personal 

22 

representative a document held by the authority that relates to 

23 

the request; 

24 

the relevant authority must give the document to the legal personal 

25 

representative. 

26 

 

(3)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  a provisional medical expense payment request is made in 

28 

respect of the cost of one or more items of medical treatment 

29 

obtained by an employee; and 

30 

 

(b)  the request affects the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth 

31 

authority; and 

32 

Provisional medical expense payments  Schedule 4 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

91 

 

 

(c)  the Commonwealth or Commonwealth authority, as the case 

may be, asks the relevant authority to give the 

Commonwealth or Commonwealth authority, as the case may 

be, a document held by the relevant authority that relates to 

the request; 

the relevant authority must give the document to the 

Commonwealth or Commonwealth authority, as the case may be. 

 

(4)  If: 

 

(a)  a provisional medical expense payment request is made in 

respect of the cost of one or more items of medical treatment 

10 

obtained by an employee; and 

11 

 

(b)  the request affects a licensed corporation; and 

12 

 

(c)  the licensed corporation asks the relevant authority to give 

13 

the licensed corporation a document held by the authority 

14 

that relates to the request; 

15 

the relevant authority must give the document to the licensed 

16 

corporation. 

17 

52K  Provisional medical expense payment to be treated as 

18 

compensation for certain purposes 

19 

 

  A provisional medical expense payment is taken to be 

20 

compensation for the purposes of sections 48, 50, 50A, 90C, 118 

21 

and 119. 

22 

5  Subsection 97A(2) (at the end of the definition of bonus 

23 

amount

24 

Add: 

25 

 

; and (c)  the number of provisional medical expense payment requests 

26 

made by, or in relation to, employees of the Entity or 

27 

authority in each previous financial year; and 

28 

 

(d)  the amount of provisional medical expense payments paid to 

29 

such employees under this Act. 

30 

6  Subsection 97A(2) (at the end of the definition of penalty 

31 

amount

32 

Add: 

33 

Schedule 4  Provisional medical expense payments 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

92 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

; and (c)  the number of provisional medical expense payment requests 

made by, or in relation to, employees of the Entity or 

authority in each previous financial year; and 

 

(d)  the amount of provisional medical expense payments paid to 

such employees under this Act. 

7  Subsection 97A(3) (at the end of the definition of estimated 

liability component

Add "For the purposes of this definition, a liability to make a 

provisional medical expense payment in respect of an alleged injury 

suffered by an employee is taken to be a liability under this Act in 

10 

respect of an injury suffered by the employee.". 

11 

8  Subsection 97A(3) (at the end of the definition of estimated 

12 

management component

13 

Add "For the purposes of this definition, claims management includes 

14 

provisional medical expense payments management.". 

15 

9  At the end of paragraph 114(1)(a) 

16 

Add "or". 

17 

10  After paragraph 114(1)(a) 

18 

Insert: 

19 

 

(aa)  an amount of a provisional medical expense payment has 

20 

been paid to a person in consequence of a false or misleading 

21 

statement; or 

22 

Provisional medical expense payments  Schedule 4 

Application and transitional provisions  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

93 

 

Part 2

--Application and transitional provisions 

11  Application of amendments 

Part IVA of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as 

amended by this Schedule) applies to an alleged injury sustained by an 

employee after the commencement of this item. 

12  Transitional

--indexation 

Section 13 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as 

amended by this Schedule) applies in relation to the amount specified in 

subsection 52D(4) of that Act as if the reference in the definition of 

relevant year in subsection 13(1) of that Act to 1 July 1988 were a 

10 

reference to 1 July next following the 6-month period that began at the 

11 

commencement of this item. 

12 

Schedule 5  Medical expenses 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

94 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Schedule 5

--Medical expenses 

Part 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

accredited healthcare practitioner has the meaning given by 

section 71B. 

designated medical clinic has the meaning given by section 54A. 

designated medical practitioner has the meaning given by 

section 54A. 

10 

medical clinic means a group of 2 or more legally qualified 

11 

medical practitioners providing services: 

12 

 

(a)  in the same location or locations; and 

13 

 

(b)  as, or as part of, the same business or undertaking. 

14 

Medical Examination Rates Determination means the Medical 

15 

Examination Rates Determination made under section 57B. 

16 

medical services table means the table prescribed under 

17 

section 16B. 

18 

2  Subsection 4(1) (paragraph (b) of the definition of medical 

19 

treatment

20 

Repeal the paragraph. 

21 

3  Subsection 4(1) (paragraph (d) of the definition of medical 

22 

treatment) 

23 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

24 

 

(d)  therapeutic treatment by, or under the supervision of, a 

25 

registered health practitioner; or 

26 

 

(da)  therapeutic treatment by, or under the supervision of, an 

27 

accredited healthcare practitioner; or 

28 

Medical expenses  Schedule 5 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

95 

 

4  Subsection 4(1) (paragraph (h) of the definition of medical 

treatment

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

 

(h)  nursing care, whether in a hospital or otherwise; or 

 

(ha)  treatment and maintenance as a resident in a nursing home; 

or 

 

(hb)  the provision of a medicine (other than a schedule 8 

medicine) that is prescribed by a registered health 

practitioner, and that is: 

 

(i)  dispensed by a registered pharmacist; or 

10 

 

(ii)  provided to an employee while the employee is an 

11 

in-patient in a hospital; or 

12 

 

(iii)  provided to an employee while the employee is a 

13 

resident in a nursing home; or 

14 

 

(hc)  if an employee has a designated medical practitioner--the 

15 

provision of a schedule 8 medicine that is prescribed by the 

16 

practitioner, and that is: 

17 

 

(i)  dispensed by a registered pharmacist; or 

18 

 

(ii)  provided to the employee while the employee is an 

19 

in-patient in a hospital; or 

20 

 

(iii)  provided to the employee while the employee is a 

21 

resident in a nursing home; or 

22 

 

(hd)  if: 

23 

 

(i)  an employee has a designated medical clinic; and 

24 

 

(ii)  a legally qualified medical practitioner practices in the 

25 

clinic; 

26 

 

  the provision of a schedule 8 medicine that is prescribed by 

27 

the practitioner, and that is: 

28 

 

(iii)  dispensed by a registered pharmacist; or 

29 

 

(iv)  provided to the employee while the employee is an 

30 

in-patient in a hospital; or 

31 

 

(v)  provided to the employee while the employee is a 

32 

resident in a nursing home; or 

33 

 

(he)  the provision of a medicine that: 

34 

 

(i)  an employee is directed to take or use by a legally 

35 

qualified medical practitioner or legally qualified 

36 

dentist; and 

37 

Schedule 5  Medical expenses 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

96 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(ii)  is covered by the definition of registered goods in the 

Therapeutic Goods Act 1989; and 

 

(iii)  is provided by a registered pharmacist; or 

 

(hf)  the provision of medical and surgical supplies and curative 

apparatus, whether in a hospital or otherwise; or 

 

(hg)  anything that: 

 

(i)  is provided to an employee outside Australia; and 

 

(ii)  approved for the employee under section 115B; or 

5  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

10 

nursing care means care provided by a registered nurse. 

11 

registered health practitioner means a person registered under a 

12 

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in any of the 

13 

following health professions (other than as a student): 

14 

 

(a)  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice; 

15 

 

(b)  Chinese medicine; 

16 

 

(c)  chiropractic; 

17 

 

(d)  dental (including the profession of a dentist, dental therapist, 

18 

dental hygienist, dental prosthetist and oral health therapist); 

19 

 

(e)  medical; 

20 

 

(f)  medical radiation practice; 

21 

 

(g)  nursing and midwifery; 

22 

 

(h)  occupational therapy; 

23 

 

(i)  optometry; 

24 

 

(j)  osteopathy; 

25 

 

(k)  pharmacy; 

26 

 

(l)  physiotherapy; 

27 

 

(m)  podiatry; 

28 

 

(n)  psychology. 

29 

registered nurse means a person registered under a Health 

30 

Practitioner Regulation National Law in the nursing and midwifery 

31 

profession as a nurse (other than as a student). 

32 

Medical expenses  Schedule 5 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

97 

 

registered pharmacist means a person registered under a Health 

Practitioner Regulation National Law in the pharmacy profession 

(other than as a student). 

schedule 8 medicine means a medicine that includes any 

ingredient, compound, material or preparation referred to in 

Schedule 8 to the current Poisons Standard (within the meaning of 

the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989). 

6  Subsections 4(10) and (10A) 

Before "section 28", insert "section 16A or section 16B or". 

7  After subsection 16(3) 

10 

Insert: 

11 

 

(3A)  In determining whether it was reasonable for the employee to 

12 

obtain medical treatment, Comcare must have regard to the 

13 

following: 

14 

 

(a)  any relevant Clinical Framework Principles in force under 

15 

section 16A; 

16 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as Comcare considers relevant. 

17 

 

(3B)  In determining the amount of compensation appropriate to the 

18 

medical treatment in the circumstances, Comcare must have regard 

19 

to the following: 

20 

 

(a)  the nature of the medical treatment; 

21 

 

(b)  the necessity for the medical treatment in the circumstances; 

22 

 

(c)  such other matters (if any) as Comcare considers relevant. 

23 

 

(3C)  If the medical treatment is covered by an item of the medical 

24 

services table, the amount of compensation payable by Comcare 

25 

under subsection (1) in respect of the medical treatment must not 

26 

exceed the rate specified for the item in the table. 

27 

8  At the end of Division 1 of Part II 

28 

Add: 

29 

Schedule 5  Medical expenses 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

98 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

16A  Clinical Framework Principles 

 

  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, formulate Clinical 

Framework Principles that are to be taken into account under 

subsection 16(3A). 

16B  Medical services table 

 

(1)  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, prescribe a table of 

medical treatments that sets out the following: 

 

(a)  items of medical treatment; 

 

(b)  the rate applicable in respect of each item; 

 

(c)  rules for interpretation of the table. 

10 

 

(2)  The table is to be known as the medical services table

11 

9  After section 54 

12 

Insert: 

13 

54A  Designated medical practitioner 

14 

 

(1)  A claim made by or on behalf of an employee under section 54 

15 

may: 

16 

 

(a)  designate a legally qualified medical practitioner to be the 

17 

employee's designated medical practitioner for the purposes 

18 

of this Act; or 

19 

 

(b)  designate a medical clinic as the employee's designated 

20 

medical clinic for the purposes of this Act. 

21 

Note: 

For the provision of a schedule 8 medicine to fall within the definition 

22 

of medical treatment, the medicine must be prescribed by a 

23 

designated medical practitioner or a medical practitioner who practises 

24 

in a designated medical clinic. See paragraphs (hc) and (hd) of the 

25 

definition of medical treatment in subsection 4(1). 

26 

 

(2)  If an employee does not have a designated medical practitioner or a 

27 

designated medical clinic, the employee may, by written notice 

28 

given to the relevant authority: 

29 

 

(a)  designate a legally qualified medical practitioner to be the 

30 

employee's designated medical practitioner for the purposes 

31 

of this Act; or 

32 

Medical expenses  Schedule 5 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

99 

 

 

(b)  designate a medical clinic to be the employee's designated 

medical clinic for the purposes of this Act. 

 

(3)  If an employee (or a person acting on behalf of the employee) has 

previously designated a legally qualified medical practitioner to be 

the employee's designated medical practitioner, the employee (or a 

person acting on behalf of the employee) may, by written notice 

given to the relevant authority: 

 

(a)  revoke that previous designation; and 

 

(b)  either: 

 

(i)  designate another legally qualified medical practitioner 

10 

to be the employee's designated medical practitioner for 

11 

the purposes of this Act; or 

12 

 

(ii)  designate a medical clinic to be the employee's 

13 

designated medical clinic for the purposes of this Act. 

14 

 

(4)  If an employee (or a person acting on behalf of the employee) has 

15 

previously designated a medical clinic to be the employee's 

16 

designated medical clinic, the employee (or a person acting on 

17 

behalf of the employee) may, by written notice given to the 

18 

relevant authority: 

19 

 

(a)  revoke that previous designation; and 

20 

 

(b)  either: 

21 

 

(i)  designate another medical clinic to be the employee's 

22 

designated medical clinic for the purposes of this Act; 

23 

or 

24 

 

(ii)  designate a legally qualified medical practitioner to be 

25 

the employee's designated medical practitioner for the 

26 

purposes of this Act. 

27 

 

(5)  A previous designation mentioned in subsection (3) or (4) may be a 

28 

designation made under subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4). 

29 

 

(6)  If a medical clinic has a business name, a designation of a medical 

30 

clinic may be made using the business name of the clinic. 

31 

10  Before subsection 57(6) 

32 

Insert: 

33 

 

(5A)  For the purposes of this section, if: 

34 

Schedule 5  Medical expenses 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

100 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(a)  an examination is conducted under this section; and 

 

(b)  apart from this subsection, the cost of conducting the 

examination exceeds the rate applicable to the examination 

under the Medical Examination Rates Determination; 

the cost of conducting the examination is taken to be equal to that 

rate. 

11  Before section 58 

Insert: 

57B  Medical Examination Rates Determination 

 

  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, make a Medical 

10 

Examination Rates Determination that sets out: 

11 

 

(a)  one or more kinds of medical examinations; and 

12 

 

(b)  the rate applicable in respect of each kind of medical 

13 

examination. 

14 

12  Subsection 60(1) (definition of determination

15 

After "114B(5)(a)", insert ", under section 115B". 

16 

13  After section 71 

17 

Insert: 

18 

71A  Disclosure of information to disciplinary bodies 

19 

Scope 

20 

 

(1)  This section applies if Comcare has information relating to medical 

21 

treatment obtained in relation to an injury suffered by an employee. 

22 

Disclosure 

23 

 

(2)  Comcare may disclose the information to a professional 

24 

disciplinary authority if Comcare is satisfied that the information 

25 

will enable or assist the professional disciplinary authority to 

26 

perform or exercise any of the functions or powers of the authority. 

27 

 

(3)  Comcare may, by writing, impose conditions to be complied with 

28 

in relation to information disclosed under subsection (2). 

29 

Medical expenses  Schedule 5 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

101 

 

 

(4)  An instrument made under subsection (3) that imposes conditions 

relating to one particular disclosure identified in the instrument is 

not a legislative instrument. 

 

(5)  Otherwise, an instrument made under subsection (3) is a legislative 

instrument. 

 

(6)  For the purposes of this section, professional disciplinary 

authority means: 

 

(a)  the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency; or 

 

(b)  the Health Care Complaints Commission established by the 

Health Care Complaints Act 1993 (NSW); or 

10 

 

(c)  the Health Ombudsman appointed under the Health 

11 

Ombudsman Act 2013 (Qld); or 

12 

 

(d)  an authority that is prescribed by the regulations. 

13 

 

(7)  An authority must not be prescribed by regulations made for the 

14 

purposes of paragraph (6)(d) unless the authority is responsible for 

15 

investigating complaints about the professional conduct of: 

16 

 

(a)  registered health practitioners; or 

17 

 

(b)  accredited healthcare practitioners; or 

18 

 

(c)  one or more kinds of registered health practitioner; or 

19 

 

(d)  one or more kinds of accredited healthcare practitioner. 

20 

71B  Accredited healthcare practitioners 

21 

 

(1)  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, declare that each person 

22 

in a specified class of persons is an accredited healthcare 

23 

practitioner for the purposes of this Act. 

24 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) of this section does not, by implication, limit the 

25 

application of subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 

26 

2003 to another instrument under this Act. 

27 

14  Before section 116 

28 

Insert: 

29 

115A  Relevant authority may request medical report 

30 

 

(1)  If: 

31 

Schedule 5  Medical expenses 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

102 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(a)  an employee has suffered an injury; and 

 

(b)  medical treatment has been obtained in relation to the injury; 

the relevant authority may, by written notice given to the provider 

of the medical treatment, request the provider to give the relevant 

authority a written report. 

 

(2)  The relevant authority must pay the cost of a report requested 

under subsection (1). 

Medical Treatment Reports Determination 

 

(3)  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, make a Medical 

Treatment Reports Determination that sets out: 

10 

 

(a)  one or more kinds of reports; and 

11 

 

(b)  the rate applicable in respect of each kind of report. 

12 

 

(4)  For the purposes of subsection (2), if: 

13 

 

(a)  a report is given to the relevant authority in response to a 

14 

request under this section; and 

15 

 

(b)  apart from this subsection, the cost of the report exceeds the 

16 

rate applicable to the report under the Medical Treatment 

17 

Reports Determination; 

18 

the cost of the report is taken to be equal to that rate. 

19 

115B  Approval of treatment obtained outside Australia 

20 

 

(1)  The relevant authority may approve any of the following things 

21 

obtained by an employee outside Australia: 

22 

 

(a)  medical or surgical treatment by, or under the supervision of, 

23 

a medical practitioner; 

24 

 

(b)  dental treatment by, or under the supervision of, a dentist; 

25 

 

(c)  therapeutic treatment by, or under the supervision of, a health 

26 

practitioner; 

27 

 

(d)  an examination, test or analysis carried out on, or in relation 

28 

to, an employee at the request or direction of a medical 

29 

practitioner or dentist and the provision of a report in respect 

30 

of such an examination, test or analysis; 

31 

 

(e)  the supply, replacement or repair of an artificial limb or other 

32 

artificial substitute or of a medical, surgical or other similar 

33 

aid or appliance; 

34 

Medical expenses  Schedule 5 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

103 

 

 

(f)  treatment and maintenance as a patient at a hospital; 

 

(g)  nursing care, whether in a hospital or otherwise; 

 

(h)  treatment and maintenance as a resident in a nursing home; 

 

(i)  the provision of a medicine; 

 

(j)  the provision of medical and surgical supplies and curative 

apparatus, whether in a hospital or otherwise; 

 

(k)  any other form of treatment that is prescribed by the 

regulations. 

 

(2)  The definition of nursing care in subsection 4(1) does not apply to 

this section. 

10 

Schedule 5  Medical expenses 

Part 2  Application and transitional provisions 

 

 

104 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 2

--Application and transitional provisions 

Division 1

--Transitional provisions commencing on the 

day after Royal Assent 

15  Pre-commencement designations 

(1) 

The powers conferred by subsections 54A(2), (3) and (4) of the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this 

Schedule) may be exercised before the commencement of Part 1 of this 

Schedule, as if that Part had commenced. 

(2) 

A designation made in accordance with subitem (1) takes effect at the 

commencement of Part 1 of this Schedule. 

10 

Division 2

--Application provisions commencing on 

11 

Proclamation 

12 

16  Application of amendments 

13 

The amendments made by items 1 to 9 apply in relation to medical 

14 

treatment obtained after the commencement of this item. 

15 

Household services and attendant care services  Schedule 6 

Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

105 

 

Schedule 6

--Household services and 

attendant care services 

Part 1

--Amendments commencing on the day after 

Royal Assent 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

accredited provider of attendant care services means a person 

accredited under regulations made for the purposes of section 29D. 

approved provider of attendant care services means a person 

10 

approved under regulations made for the purposes of section 29F. 

11 

registered provider of attendant care services means an individual 

12 

registered by an accredited provider of attendant care services 

13 

under regulations made for the purposes of section 29E. 

14 

2  Subsections 4(10) and (10A) 

15 

After "28", insert "or section 29D". 

16 

3  At the end of Division 5 of Part II 

17 

Add: 

18 

29D  Accredited providers of attendant care services 

19 

 

(1)  The regulations may empower Comcare to: 

20 

 

(a)  accredit persons as accredited providers of attendant care 

21 

services; and 

22 

 

(b)  revoke such an accreditation. 

23 

 

(2)  The regulations may deal with matters that are ancillary or 

24 

incidental to the matters mentioned in subsection (1). 

25 

Schedule 6  Household services and attendant care services 

Part 1  Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent 

 

 

106 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

29E  Registered providers of attendant care services 

 

(1)  The regulations may empower an accredited provider of attendant 

care services to: 

 

(a)  register individuals as registered providers of attendant care 

services; and 

 

(b)  revoke such a registration. 

 

(2)  The regulations may deal with matters that are ancillary or 

incidental to the matters mentioned in subsection (1). 

29F  Approved attendant care services providers 

 

(1)  The regulations may empower a relevant authority to: 

10 

 

(a)  approve a person as an approved provider of attendant care 

11 

services; and 

12 

 

(b)  revoke such an approval. 

13 

 

(2)  The regulations may deal with matters that are ancillary or 

14 

incidental to the matters mentioned in subsection (1). 

15 

4  Subsection 60(1) (at the end of the definition of 

16 

determination

17 

Add ", and includes a decision made under regulations made for the 

18 

purposes of section 29D, 29E or 29F". 

19 

Household services and attendant care services  Schedule 6 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

107 

 

Part 2

--Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

Division 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

5  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

catastrophic injury has the meaning given by the regulations. 

registered occupational therapist means a person registered under 

a Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in the occupational 

therapy profession (other than as a student). 

registered physiotherapist means a person registered under a 

10 

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in the physiotherapy 

11 

profession (other than as a student). 

12 

6  Subsection 29 (heading) 

13 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

14 

29  Compensation for household services and attendant care services 

15 

obtained as a result of a non-catastrophic injury 

16 

7  Subsection 29(1) 

17 

Omit "subsection (5)", substitute "subsections (5) and (5A)". 

18 

8  Subsection 29(1) 

19 

After "an employee", insert "(other than a catastrophic injury)". 

20 

9  Subsections 29(1) and (2) 

21 

Omit "Comcare" (wherever occurring), substitute "the relevant 

22 

authority". 

23 

10  After paragraph 29(2)(a) 

24 

Insert: 

25 

Schedule 6  Household services and attendant care services 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

108 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(aa)  any section 29B assessment relating to the employee's need 

for household services as the result of the employee's injury; 

11  Subsection 29(3) 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

 

(3)  Subject to subsections (5) and (5A), if: 

 

(a)  an employee obtains attendant care services as a result of an 

injury to the employee (other than a catastrophic injury); and 

 

(b)  the attendant care services are provided by: 

 

(i)  an accredited provider of attendant care services; or 

 

(ii)  a registered provider of attendant care services; or 

10 

 

(iii)  an approved provider of attendant care services; or 

11 

 

(iv)  an individual authorised by the relevant authority in 

12 

relation to the employee; and 

13 

 

(c)  the attendant care services obtained are reasonably required 

14 

by the employee; 

15 

the relevant authority is liable to pay compensation of: 

16 

 

(d)  $442.20 per week; or 

17 

 

(e)  an amount per week equal to the amount per week paid or 

18 

payable by the employee for those services; 

19 

whichever is the less. 

20 

 

(3A)  The relevant authority must not authorise an individual under 

21 

subparagraph (3)(b)(iv) unless the relevant authority is satisfied 

22 

that there are special circumstances. 

23 

12  Subsection 29(4) 

24 

Omit "Comcare" (wherever occurring), substitute "the relevant 

25 

authority". 

26 

13  After paragraph 29(4)(e) 

27 

Insert: 

28 

 

(ea)  any section 29B assessment relating to the employee's need 

29 

for attendant care services as the result of the employee's 

30 

injury; 

31 

Household services and attendant care services  Schedule 6 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

109 

 

14  Subsection 29(5) 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

 

(5)  If the injury was sustained at or after the commencement of this 

subsection, the relevant authority is not liable to pay compensation 

under subsection (1) or (3) in respect of a week unless the week 

occurs: 

 

(a)  during the 3-year period beginning on the date of the injury; 

or 

 

(b)  if: 

 

(i)  the employee is admitted to hospital as an in-patient for 

10 

treatment in relation to the injury; and 

11 

 

(ii)  the employee is discharged from hospital after the 

12 

30-month period beginning on the date of the injury; 

13 

 

  during the 6-month period beginning on the day the 

14 

employee is discharged from hospital. 

15 

 

(5A)  If the injury was sustained before the commencement of this 

16 

subsection, the relevant authority is not liable to pay compensation 

17 

under subsection (1) or (3) in respect of a week unless the week 

18 

occurs: 

19 

 

(a)  during the 3-year period beginning at the commencement of 

20 

this subsection; or 

21 

 

(b)  if: 

22 

 

(i)  the employee is admitted to hospital as an in-patient for 

23 

treatment in relation to the injury; and 

24 

 

(ii)  the employee is discharged from hospital after the 

25 

30-month period beginning at the commencement of 

26 

this subsection; 

27 

 

  during the 6-month period beginning on the day the 

28 

employee is discharged from hospital. 

29 

15  Subsections 29(6) and (7) 

30 

Omit "Comcare", substitute "the relevant authority". 

31 

16  After section 29 

32 

Insert: 

33 

Schedule 6  Household services and attendant care services 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

110 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

29A  Compensation for household services and attendant care 

services obtained as a result of a catastrophic injury 

Household services 

 

(1)  If: 

 

(a)  an employee obtains household services as a result of a 

catastrophic injury to the employee; and 

 

(b)  the household services are reasonably required by the 

employee; and 

 

(c)  the employee has undergone a section 29B assessment 

relating to the employee's need for household services as the 

10 

result of the employee's catastrophic injury; 

11 

the relevant authority is liable to pay compensation of such amount 

12 

per week as the relevant authority considers reasonable in the 

13 

circumstances. 

14 

 

(2)  Without limiting the matters that the relevant authority may take 

15 

into account in determining the household services that are 

16 

reasonably required in a particular case, the relevant authority 

17 

must, in making such a determination, have regard to the following 

18 

matters: 

19 

 

(a)  the extent to which household services were provided by the 

20 

employee before the date of the catastrophic injury and the 

21 

extent to which he or she is able to provide those services 

22 

after that date; 

23 

 

(b)  any section 29B assessment relating to the employee's need 

24 

for household services as the result of the employee's 

25 

catastrophic injury; 

26 

 

(c)  the number of persons living with the employee as members 

27 

of his or her household, their ages and their need for 

28 

household services; 

29 

 

(d)  the extent to which household services were provided by the 

30 

persons referred to in paragraph (c) before the catastrophic 

31 

injury; 

32 

 

(e)  the extent to which the persons referred to in paragraph (c), 

33 

or any other members of the employee's family, might 

34 

reasonably be expected to provide household services for 

35 

themselves and for the employee after the catastrophic injury; 

36 

Household services and attendant care services  Schedule 6 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

111 

 

 

(f)  the need to avoid substantial disruption to the employment or 

other activities of the persons referred to in paragraph (c). 

Note: 

In relation to paragraph (e), see also subsection 4(2). 

Attendant care services 

 

(3)  If: 

 

(a)  an employee obtains attendant care services as a result of a 

catastrophic injury to the employee; and 

 

(b)  the attendant care services are provided by: 

 

(i)  an accredited provider of attendant care services; or 

 

(ii)  a registered provider of attendant care services; or 

10 

 

(iii)  an approved provider of attendant care services; or 

11 

 

(iv)  an individual authorised by the relevant authority in 

12 

relation to the employee; and 

13 

 

(c)  the attendant care services obtained are reasonably required 

14 

by the employee; and 

15 

 

(d)  the employee has undergone a section 29B assessment 

16 

relating to the employee's need for attendant care services as 

17 

the result of the employee's catastrophic injury; 

18 

the relevant authority is liable to pay compensation of such amount 

19 

per week as the relevant authority considers reasonable in the 

20 

circumstances. 

21 

 

(4)  The relevant authority must not authorise an individual under 

22 

subparagraph (3)(b)(iv) unless the relevant authority is satisfied 

23 

that there are special circumstances. 

24 

 

(5)  Without limiting the matters that the relevant authority may take 

25 

into account in determining the attendant care services that are 

26 

reasonably required in a particular case, the relevant authority 

27 

must, in making such a determination, have regard to the following 

28 

matters: 

29 

 

(a)  the nature of the employee's catastrophic injury and the 

30 

degree to which that injury impairs his or her ability to 

31 

provide for his or her personal care; 

32 

 

(b)  the extent to which any medical service or nursing care 

33 

received by the employee provides for his or her essential 

34 

and regular personal care; 

35 

Schedule 6  Household services and attendant care services 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

112 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(c)  the extent to which it is reasonable to meet any wish by the 

employee to live outside an institution; 

 

(d)  the extent to which attendant care services are necessary to 

enable the employee to undertake or continue employment; 

 

(e)  any assessment made in relation to the rehabilitation of the 

employee; 

 

(f)  the extent to which a relative of the employee might 

reasonably be expected to provide attendant care services; 

 

(g)  any section 29B assessment relating to the employee's need 

for attendant care services as the result of the employee's 

10 

catastrophic injury. 

11 

Note: 

In relation to paragraph (f), see also subsection 4(2). 

12 

 

(6)  An amount of compensation payable by the relevant authority 

13 

under subsection (1) or (3) is payable: 

14 

 

(a)  if the employee has paid for the household services or 

15 

attendant care services, as the case may be--to the employee; 

16 

or 

17 

 

(b)  in any other case--to the person who provided those 

18 

services. 

19 

 

(7)  If the relevant authority pays an amount under subsection (1) or (3) 

20 

to a person who provided household services or attendant care 

21 

services to an employee, the payment of the amount is, to the 

22 

extent of the payment, a discharge of the liability of the employee 

23 

to pay for those services. 

24 

29B  Assessment of need for household services and attendant care 

25 

services 

26 

 

(1)  The relevant authority may require an injured employee to undergo 

27 

an assessment by: 

28 

 

(a)  a registered occupational therapist nominated by the relevant 

29 

authority; or 

30 

 

(b)  a registered physiotherapist nominated by the relevant 

31 

authority; 

32 

of the employee's need for either or both of the following: 

33 

 

(c)  household services; 

34 

 

(d)  attendant care services. 

35 

Household services and attendant care services  Schedule 6 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

113 

 

 

(2)  The relevant authority is liable to pay: 

 

(a)  the costs of conducting an assessment under subsection (1); 

and 

 

(b)  an amount equal to the amount of the expenditure reasonably 

incurred by the employee: 

 

(i)  in making a necessary journey in connection with the 

assessment; or 

 

(ii)  in remaining, for the purpose of the assessment, at a 

place to which the person has made a journey for that 

purpose. 

10 

 

(3)  The matters to which the relevant authority is to have regard in 

11 

deciding questions arising under paragraph (2)(b) include: 

12 

 

(a)  the means of transport available to the person for the journey; 

13 

and 

14 

 

(b)  the route or routes by which the person could have travelled; 

15 

and 

16 

 

(c)  the accommodation available to the person. 

17 

29C  Reimbursement of costs incurred in relation to accompanying 

18 

an employee 

19 

 

(1)  If: 

20 

 

(a)  during a particular week, an employee obtains attendant care 

21 

services as a result of a catastrophic injury to the employee; 

22 

and 

23 

 

(b)  compensation is payable under section 29A for those 

24 

attendant care services; and 

25 

 

(c)  the attendant care services are provided by an individual; and 

26 

 

(d)  during the week, the individual accompanies the employee to 

27 

enable the employee to undertake an activity outside the 

28 

employee's place of residence; and 

29 

 

(e)  having regard to: 

30 

 

(i)  the well-being of the employee; and 

31 

 

(ii)  the independent functioning of the employee; and 

32 

 

(iii)  the rehabilitation of the employee; and 

33 

 

(iv)  any other relevant matters; 

34 

Schedule 6  Household services and attendant care services 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

114 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

  it is reasonable and appropriate for the employee to undertake 

the activity; and 

 

(f)  the employee or individual incurs reasonable costs in relation 

to the individual so accompanying the employee; 

the costs may be reimbursed by the relevant authority. 

 

(2)  The following are examples of costs covered by paragraph (1)(f): 

 

(a)  the cost of travel; 

 

(b)  the cost of accommodation; 

 

(c)  the cost of meals; 

 

(d)  the cost of tickets; 

10 

 

(e)  incidental costs. 

11 

17  Subsection 60(1) (definition of determination

12 

After "29," insert "29A,". 

13 

Division 2

--Application and transitional provisions 

14 

18  Application of amendments 

15 

(1) 

The amendments made by items 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 apply 

16 

in relation to compensation in respect of a week beginning after the 

17 

commencement of this item. 

18 

(2) 

Section 29A of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

19 

(as amended by this Schedule) applies in relation to compensation in 

20 

respect of a week that begins after the commencement of this item. 

21 

19  Transitional

--indexation 

22 

Section 13 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

23 

applies in relation to the amount specified in subsection 29(3) of that 

24 

Act (as amended by this Schedule) as if the reference in the definition 

25 

of relevant year in subsection 13(1) of that Act to 1 July 1988 were a 

26 

reference to 1 July next following the 6-month period that began at the 

27 

commencement of this item. 

28 

Absences from Australia  Schedule 7 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

115 

 

Schedule 7

--Absences from Australia 

Note: 

This Schedule amends Division 5A of Part II of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988. That Division is inserted by Part 1 of Schedule 15 to this Act. 

Part 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  At the end of Division 5A of Part II 

Add: 

29K  Extended absences from Australia 

Basic rule 

 

(1)  If: 

10 

 

(a)  an employee leaves Australia; and 

11 

 

(b)  the employee is absent from Australia for private purposes 

12 

for a period of more than 6 weeks beginning when the 

13 

employee leaves Australia; 

14 

the employee's compensation rights are suspended during the 

15 

period that: 

16 

 

(c)  begins at: 

17 

 

(i)  if the employee was in Australia for a period of at least 

18 

6 weeks ending when the employee leaves Australia--

19 

the end of the first 6 weeks of the period mentioned in 

20 

paragraph (b); or 

21 

 

(ii)  if the employee was in Australia for a period of less 

22 

than 6 weeks ending when the employee leaves 

23 

Australia--the time when the employee leaves 

24 

Australia; or 

25 

 

(iii)  if, under subsection (9) or (10), the relevant authority 

26 

has approved the extension of the employee's absence 

27 

to a later time--that later time; and 

28 

 

(d)  ends when: 

29 

 

(i)  the employee returns to Australia; or 

30 

 

(ii)  the employee's absence for private purposes becomes an 

31 

absence for work purposes; 

32 

Schedule 7  Absences from Australia 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

116 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

  whichever first happens. 

 

(2)  However, subsection (1) does not apply if: 

 

(a)  the employee returns to Australia for a period of less than 6 

weeks; and 

 

(b)  when the employee began to be absent from Australia at the 

end of that period, that absence was for work purposes. 

Change of purpose 

 

(3)  If: 

 

(a)  an employee was absent from Australia for work purposes; 

and 

10 

 

(b)  at a particular time, the employee's absence becomes an 

11 

absence for private purposes; and 

12 

 

(c)  the employee is absent from Australia for private purposes 

13 

for a period of more than 6 weeks beginning at that time; 

14 

the employee's compensation rights are suspended during the 

15 

period that: 

16 

 

(d)  begins at: 

17 

 

(i)  the end of the first 6 weeks of the period mentioned in 

18 

paragraph (c); or 

19 

 

(ii)  if, under subsection (9) or (10), the relevant authority 

20 

has approved the extension of the employee's absence 

21 

to a later time--that later time; and 

22 

 

(e)  ends when: 

23 

 

(i)  the employee returns to Australia; or 

24 

 

(ii)  the employee's absence for private purposes becomes an 

25 

absence for work purposes; 

26 

 

  whichever first happens. 

27 

 

(4)  However, subsection (3) does not apply if: 

28 

 

(a)  the employee returns to Australia for a period of less than 6 

29 

weeks; and 

30 

 

(b)  when the employee began to be absent from Australia at the 

31 

end of that period, that absence was for work purposes. 

32 

Absences from Australia  Schedule 7 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

117 

 

Transitional 

 

(5)  If: 

 

(a)  at the commencement of this section, an employee was 

absent from Australia for private purposes; and 

 

(b)  the employee is absent from Australia for private purposes 

for a period of more than 6 weeks beginning at the 

commencement of this section; 

the employee's compensation rights are suspended during the 

period that: 

 

(c)  begins at: 

10 

 

(i)  the end of the first 6 weeks of the period mentioned in 

11 

paragraph (b); or 

12 

 

(ii)  if, under subsection (9) or (10), the relevant authority 

13 

has approved the extension of the employee's absence 

14 

to a later time--that later time; and 

15 

 

(d)  ends when: 

16 

 

(i)  the employee returns to Australia; or 

17 

 

(ii)  the employee's absence for private purposes becomes an 

18 

absence for work purposes; 

19 

 

  whichever first happens. 

20 

 

(6)  However, subsection (5) does not apply if: 

21 

 

(a)  the employee returns to Australia for a period of less than 6 

22 

weeks; and 

23 

 

(b)  when the employee began to be absent from Australia at the 

24 

end of that period, that absence was for work purposes. 

25 

Absence for work purposes 

26 

 

(7)  For the purposes of this section, an employee is absent from 

27 

Australia for work purposes if, and only if: 

28 

  

(a)  the employee is absent from Australia; and 

29 

 

(b)  the employee is in suitable employment; and 

30 

 

(c)  the suitable employment is the sole or dominant purpose of 

31 

that absence from Australia. 

32 

Schedule 7  Absences from Australia 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

118 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Absence for private purposes 

 

(8)  For the purposes of this section, an employee is absent from 

Australia for private purposes if, and only if: 

 

(a)  the employee is absent from Australia; and 

 

(b)  that absence is not for work purposes. 

Extension of absence 

 

(9)  If an employee is absent from Australia for private purposes, the 

relevant authority may, by writing, approve the extension of that 

absence to a specified time, if: 

 

(a)  the relevant authority is satisfied that the employee is unable 

10 

to return to Australia because of any of the following events: 

11 

 

(i)  a serious accident involving the employee or a family 

12 

member of the employee; 

13 

 

(ii)  a serious illness of the employee or a family member of 

14 

the employee; 

15 

 

(iii)  the hospitalisation of the employee or a family member 

16 

of the employee; 

17 

 

(iv)  the death of a family member of the employee; 

18 

 

(v)  the employee's involvement in custody proceedings in 

19 

the country in which the employee is located; 

20 

 

(vi)  a legal requirement for the employee to remain outside 

21 

Australia in connection with criminal proceedings (other 

22 

than criminal proceedings in respect of a crime alleged 

23 

to have been committed by the employee); 

24 

 

(vii)  robbery or serious crime committed against the 

25 

employee or a family member of the employee; 

26 

 

(viii)  a natural disaster in the country in which the employee 

27 

is located; 

28 

 

(ix)  political or social unrest in the country in which the 

29 

employee is located; 

30 

 

(x)  industrial action in the country in which the employee is 

31 

located; 

32 

 

(xi)  a war in the country in which the employee is located; 

33 

and 

34 

 

(b)  the event occurred or began when the employee was absent 

35 

from Australia; and 

36 

Absences from Australia  Schedule 7 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

119 

 

 

(c)  if the event is political or social unrest, industrial action or 

war--the employee is not willingly involved in, or willingly 

participating in, the event. 

 

(10)  If an employee is absent from Australia for private purposes, the 

relevant authority may, by writing, approve the extension of that 

absence to a specified time, if the relevant authority is satisfied that 

there are special circumstances that warrant giving that approval. 

Compensation rights 

 

(11)  For the purposes of this section, an employee's compensation 

rights means the employee's rights: 

10 

 

(a)  to compensation under section 19, 20, 21, 21A, 22 or 31; and 

11 

 

(b)  to institute or continue any proceedings under this Act in 

12 

relation to compensation. 

13 

 

(12)  If an employee's right to compensation is suspended under this 

14 

section, compensation is not payable in respect of the period of the 

15 

suspension. 

16 

Conditional weekly compensation payments 

17 

 

(13)  If: 

18 

 

(a)  an employee's compensation rights have been suspended 

19 

under this section; and 

20 

 

(b)  the suspension ends when the employee returns to Australia; 

21 

any compensation paid to the employee under section 19, 20, 21A, 

22 

22 or 31 in respect of the first 6 weeks following the return to 

23 

Australia is subject to the condition that, throughout that 6-week 

24 

period, the employee will remain in Australia unless: 

25 

 

(c)  the employee is absent from Australia for work purposes; or 

26 

 

(d)  both: 

27 

 

(i)  the employee is absent from Australia; and 

28 

 

(ii)  the relevant authority has, by writing, approved the 

29 

employee's absence from Australia. 

30 

 

(14)  The relevant authority must not give an approval under 

31 

paragraph (13)(d) unless the relevant authority is satisfied that 

32 

there are special circumstances that warrant giving that approval. 

33 

Schedule 7  Absences from Australia 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

120 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(15)  If the condition mentioned in subsection (13) is contravened in 

relation to an amount of compensation that has been paid, 

paragraph 114(1)(b) has effect as if that amount should not have 

been paid. 

Exemption 

 

(16)  The relevant authority may, by writing, exempt an employee from 

this section if the relevant authority is satisfied that there are 

special circumstances that warrant giving that exemption. 

2  Subsection 60(1) (definition of determination

After "25,", insert "29K,". 

10 

3  Subsection 120 (heading) 

11 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

12 

120  Notice of departure from and return to Australia etc. 

13 

4  Subsection 120(1) 

14 

Omit "19 are being made, and have been made for a period of 3 months 

15 

or longer,", substitute "19, 20, 21, 21A, 22 or 31 are being made". 

16 

5  At the end of subsection 120(2) 

17 

Add: 

18 

 

; and (c)  if the person proposes to return to Australia--specifying the 

19 

day on which the person proposes to return to Australia. 

20 

6  At the end of subsection 120(3) 

21 

Add: 

22 

 

; and (c)  if the person proposes to return to Australia--specifying the 

23 

day on which the person proposes to return to Australia. 

24 

7  Subsections 120(4) and (5) 

25 

Repeal the subsections, substitute: 

26 

 

(4)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  the person gave a notice under subsection (2) in relation to a 

28 

proposal to leave Australia; and 

29 

Absences from Australia  Schedule 7 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

121 

 

 

(b)  the person left Australia more than 7 days after the day 

specified in the notice as the day on which the person 

proposed to leave Australia; 

the person must: 

 

(c)  notify the relevant authority, in writing, of the day on which 

the person left Australia; and 

 

(d)  do so within 7 days after the person left Australia. 

 

(5)  If: 

 

(a)  the person has left Australia in accordance with a notice 

given under subsection (2); and 

10 

 

(b)  the person has returned to Australia; and 

11 

 

(c)  either: 

12 

 

(i)  the notice did not specify the day on which the person 

13 

proposed to return to Australia; or 

14 

 

(ii)  the person returned to Australia on a day other than the 

15 

day specified in the notice as the day on which the 

16 

person proposed to return to Australia; 

17 

the person must: 

18 

 

(d)  notify the relevant authority, in writing, of the day the person 

19 

returned to Australia; and 

20 

 

(e)  do so within 7 days after the person returned to Australia. 

21 

 

(6)  If: 

22 

 

(a)  the person gave a notice under subsection (3) in relation to 

23 

the person leaving Australia; and 

24 

 

(b)  the person has returned to Australia; and 

25 

 

(c)  either: 

26 

 

(i)  the notice did not specify the day on which the person 

27 

proposed to return to Australia; or 

28 

 

(ii)  the person returned to Australia on a day other than the 

29 

day specified in the notice as the day on which the 

30 

person proposed to return to Australia; 

31 

the person must: 

32 

 

(d)  notify the relevant authority, in writing, of the day the person 

33 

returned to Australia; and 

34 

 

(e)  do so within 7 days after the person returned to Australia. 

35 

Schedule 7  Absences from Australia 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

122 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(7)  A person commits an offence if: 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (3), 

(4), (5) or (6); and 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

Penalty:  10 penalty units. 

 

(8)  Subsection (7) is an offence of strict liability. 

Note: 

For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code

 

(9)  Subsection (7) does not apply if the person has a reasonable 

excuse. 

10 

Note: 

A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in 

11 

subsection (9) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code). 

12 

Absences from Australia  Schedule 7 

Application and transitional provisions  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

123 

 

Part 2

--Application and transitional provisions 

8  Application of amendments 

 

The amendments of section 120 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 made by this Schedule apply in relation to a 

person who leaves Australia after the commencement of this item. 

9  Transitional

--notification of absence from Australia 

Scope 

(1) 

This item applies to a person to whom payments of compensation under 

section 19, 20, 21, 21A, 22 or 31 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 are being made by a relevant authority. 

10 

Notification 

11 

(2) 

If the person is absent from Australia at the commencement of this item, 

12 

the person must: 

13 

 

(a)  notify the relevant authority, in writing, of the person's 

14 

absence from Australia; and 

15 

 

(b)  do so within 7 days after the commencement of this item. 

16 

Offence 

17 

(3) 

A person commits an offence if: 

18 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subitem (2); and 

19 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

20 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

21 

Penalty:  10 penalty units. 

22 

(4) 

Subitem (3) is an offence of strict liability. 

23 

Note: 

For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code

24 

(5) 

Subitem (3) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse. 

25 

Note: 

A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subitem (5) (see 

26 

subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code). 

27 

Schedule 8  Accrual of leave while receiving compensation 

   

 

 

124 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Schedule 8

--Accrual of leave while receiving 

compensation 

   

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  After subsection 116(1) 

Insert: 

 

(1A)  Subsection (1) has no effect to the extent to which it is inconsistent 

with section 130 of the Fair Work Act 2009

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

125 

 

Schedule 9

--Calculation of compensation 

Part 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

average weekly remuneration means the average weekly 

remuneration of an employee calculated under section 8. 

eligible allowance means any of the following allowances payable 

to an employee: 

 

(a)  an allowance payable in respect of a specific qualification 

10 

held by the employee; 

11 

 

(b)  an allowance payable in respect of specific duties performed 

12 

by the employee; 

13 

 

(c)  an allowance that is: 

14 

 

(i)  payable because of specific circumstances in which the 

15 

employee performs the duties of his or her employment; 

16 

and 

17 

 

(ii)  not intended to cover specific expenses incurred by the 

18 

employee; 

19 

 

(d)  a location allowance that is: 

20 

 

(i)  payable because the employee performs the duties of his 

21 

or her employment at a particular location; and 

22 

 

(ii)  payable when the employee's primary place of 

23 

residence is at the location; 

24 

 

(e)  a higher duties allowance; 

25 

 

(f)  a shift allowance; 

26 

 

(g)  an allowance prescribed by the regulations. 

27 

2  Subsection 4(1) (definition of employee

28 

Omit ", and also applies to persons 65 years of age or older". 

29 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

126 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

3  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

fringe benefit has the same meaning as in the Fringe Benefits Tax 

Assessment Act 1986 (as it applies of its own force or because of 

the Fringe Benefits Tax (Application to the Commonwealth) Act 

1986). 

monetary remuneration means: 

 

(a)  salary or wages attributable to an employee's employment; or 

 

(b)  piece rates attributable to an employee's employment; or 

 

(c)  commissions attributable to an employee's employment; or 

10 

 

(d)  eligible allowances attributable to an employee's 

11 

employment; or 

12 

 

(e)  pay for overtime worked by an employee. 

13 

4  Subsection 4(1) (definition of normal weekly earnings

14 

Repeal the definition. 

15 

5  Subsection 4(1) (definition of normal weekly hours

16 

Repeal the definition. 

17 

6  Subsection 4(1) 

18 

Insert: 

19 

pension age has the meaning given by subsection 23(5A), (5B), 

20 

(5C) or (5D) of the Social Security Act 1991

21 

total remuneration of an employee has the meaning given by 

22 

section 8A. 

23 

7  Section 8 (heading) 

24 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

25 

8  Average weekly remuneration 

26 

8  Subsections 8(1), (2) and (3) 

27 

Repeal the subsections, substitute: 

28 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

127 

 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, the average weekly remuneration of 

an employee before an injury is calculated in relation to the 

relevant period using the formula: 

Total remuneration of the employee 

Number of weeks in

for the relevant period

the relevant period

 

Other employment 

 

(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), if: 

 

(a)  at the date of the injury, the employee was employed by the 

Commonwealth or a licensed corporation in paid or unpaid 

employment; and 

 

(b)  throughout the 6-week period ending at the date of the injury, 

10 

the employee was engaged in other employment; and 

11 

 

(c)  in engaging in the other employment, the employee complied 

12 

with the terms and conditions of his or her employment by 

13 

the Commonwealth or the licensed corporation; and 

14 

 

(d)  assuming section 8A applied to the other employment during 

15 

the relevant period in a corresponding way to the way in 

16 

which that section applies to employment by the 

17 

Commonwealth or the licensed corporation, any part of the 

18 

total remuneration of the employee for the relevant period is 

19 

attributable to the employee's other employment during the 

20 

relevant period; 

21 

that part is to be treated as a part of the total remuneration of the 

22 

employee for the relevant period. 

23 

9  Subsection 8(4) 

24 

Omit "normal weekly earnings" (first occurring), substitute "average 

25 

weekly remuneration". 

26 

10  Subsection 8(4) 

27 

Omit "or (2)" (first occurring). 

28 

11  Subsection 8(4) 

29 

Omit "normal weekly earnings" (second, third and fourth occurring), 

30 

substitute "average weekly remuneration". 

31 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

128 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

12  Subsection 8(4) 

Omit "or (2), as the case requires". 

13  Subsection 8(5) 

Repeal the subsection. 

14  Before subsection 8(6) 

Insert: 

Remuneration--increases and decreases 

15  Subsections 8(6) and (7) 

Omit "normal weekly earnings", substitute "average weekly 

remuneration". 

10 

16  Paragraph 8(8)(a) 

11 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

12 

 

(a)  the employment of an employee is unpaid employment of a 

13 

kind referred to in paragraph (2)(a) of this section; and 

14 

17  Paragraph 8(8)(b) 

15 

Omit "earnings", substitute "remuneration". 

16 

18  Subsection 8(8) 

17 

Omit "normal weekly earnings", substitute "average weekly 

18 

remuneration". 

19 

19  Subsection 8(8) 

20 

Omit "been able to earn at the date of the injury (including any amount 

21 

in respect of overtime worked on a regular basis)", substitute "received 

22 

as remuneration at the date of the injury". 

23 

20  Subsections 8(9), (9B) and (9E) 

24 

Omit "normal weekly earnings", substitute "average weekly 

25 

remuneration". 

26 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

129 

 

21  Paragraphs 8(9E)(a) and (b) 

Omit "those earnings", substitute "the average weekly remuneration". 

22  Subsection 8(9F) 

Omit "normal weekly earnings", substitute "average weekly 

remuneration". 

23  Subsection 8(9F) 

Omit "they are", substitute "it is". 

24  After subsection 8(9G) 

Insert: 

 

(9H)  If: 

10 

 

(a)  apart from this subsection, the amount of the average weekly 

11 

remuneration of an employee before an injury is worked out 

12 

on the basis that the total remuneration of the employee for 

13 

the relevant period includes a location allowance that was 

14 

payable because the employee's primary place of residence 

15 

was at a particular location; and 

16 

 

(b)  the employee's current primary place of residence is not at 

17 

that location; 

18 

the amount of the average weekly remuneration of the employee 

19 

before the injury is to be calculated as if the total remuneration of 

20 

the employee for the relevant period did not include the location 

21 

allowance. 

22 

25  Subsection 8(10) 

23 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

24 

 

(10)  If the amount of the average weekly remuneration of an employee 

25 

before an injury, as calculated under the preceding subsections, 

26 

would exceed the amount per week of the remuneration that the 

27 

employee would receive if he or she were not incapacitated for 

28 

work, the amount so calculated is to be reduced by the amount of 

29 

the excess. 

30 

26  At the end of section 8 

31 

Add: 

32 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

130 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(11)  For the purposes of subsection (10), if an employee is suspended 

from his or her employment, he or she is taken to be employed 

during the suspension. 

 

(12)  Subsections (6), (7), (9), (9H) and (10) operate from time to time 

for the purposes of working out compensation payable under this 

Act to an employee for a particular week. 

27  After section 8 

Insert: 

8A  Total remuneration 

 

(1)  For the purposes of calculating the average weekly remuneration of 

10 

an employee before an injury, the total remuneration of the 

11 

employee for the relevant period is the sum of the following: 

12 

 

(a)  salary or wages attributable to the employee's employment 

13 

with the Commonwealth or a licensed corporation during the 

14 

relevant period; 

15 

 

(b)  piece rates attributable to the employee's employment with 

16 

the Commonwealth or a licensed corporation during the 

17 

relevant period; 

18 

 

(c)  commissions attributable to the employee's employment with 

19 

the Commonwealth or a licensed corporation during the 

20 

relevant period; 

21 

 

(d)  the value of the fringe benefits that are attributable to the 

22 

employee's employment with the Commonwealth or a 

23 

licensed corporation during the relevant period; 

24 

 

(e)  reportable employer superannuation contributions 

25 

attributable to the employee's employment with the 

26 

Commonwealth or a licensed corporation during the relevant 

27 

period; 

28 

 

(f)  if the average weekly remuneration is to be used for working 

29 

out compensation payable under this Act to the employee in 

30 

respect of the injury for a week included in the first 104 

31 

weeks during which the employee is incapacitated--eligible 

32 

allowances attributable to the employee's employment with 

33 

the Commonwealth or a licensed corporation during the 

34 

relevant period; 

35 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

131 

 

 

(g)  if: 

 

(i)  the average weekly remuneration is to be used for 

working out compensation payable under this Act to the 

employee in respect of the injury for a week included in 

the first 104 weeks during which the employee is 

incapacitated; and 

 

(ii)  the employee worked overtime in connection with the 

employee's employment with the Commonwealth or a 

licensed corporation during the relevant period; and 

 

(iii)  it is likely that, if the employee had not suffered the 

10 

injury, the employee would have worked overtime in 

11 

connection with the employee's employment with the 

12 

Commonwealth or a licensed corporation during the 

13 

first 104 weeks during which the employee is 

14 

incapacitated; 

15 

 

  the pay for overtime worked by the employee as mentioned 

16 

in subparagraph (ii) during the relevant period. 

17 

Value of fringe benefits 

18 

 

(2)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(d), the value of the fringe 

19 

benefits that are attributable to the employee's employment with 

20 

the Commonwealth or a licensed corporation during the relevant 

21 

period is: 

22 

 

(a)  if the relevant period is included in a particular FBT year--

23 

the amount that would be the employee's reportable fringe 

24 

benefits total for the income year in which that FBT year 

25 

ended if the modifications set out in subsection (3) were 

26 

made; or 

27 

 

(b)  if a part of the relevant period is included in a particular FBT 

28 

year (the first FBT year) and the remainder of the relevant 

29 

period is included in the next FBT year--the sum of: 

30 

 

(i)  the amount that would be the employee's reportable 

31 

fringe benefits total for the income year in which the 

32 

first FBT year ended if the modifications set out in 

33 

subsection (3) were made; and 

34 

 

(ii)  the amount that would be the employee's reportable 

35 

fringe benefits total for the income year in which the 

36 

next FBT year ended if the modifications set out in 

37 

subsection (3) were made. 

38 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

132 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(3)  For the purposes of subsection (2), the modifications are as 

follows: 

 

(a)  disregard any fringe benefit provided in respect of 

employment that is not the employee's employment with the 

Commonwealth or the licensed corporation; 

 

(b)  disregard any fringe benefit provided outside the relevant 

period; 

 

(c)  disregard any fringe benefit if it is of a kind that continues to 

be provided to the employee when the employee is 

incapacitated for work. 

10 

Reportable employer superannuation contributions 

11 

 

(4)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(e), the reportable employer 

12 

superannuation contributions that are attributable to the employee's 

13 

employment with the Commonwealth or a licensed corporation 

14 

during the relevant period means: 

15 

 

(a)  if the relevant period is included in a particular income 

16 

year--the amount that would be the employee's reportable 

17 

employer superannuation contributions for the income year if 

18 

the modifications set out in subsection (5) were made; or 

19 

 

(b)  if a part of the relevant period is included in a particular 

20 

income year (the first income year) and the remainder of the 

21 

relevant period is included in the next income year--the sum 

22 

of: 

23 

 

(i)  the amount that would be the employee's reportable 

24 

employer superannuation contributions for the first 

25 

income year if the modifications set out in 

26 

subsection (5) were made; and 

27 

 

(ii)  the amount that would be the employee's reportable 

28 

employer superannuation contributions for the next 

29 

income year if the modifications set out in 

30 

subsection (5) were made. 

31 

 

(5)  For the purposes of subsection (4), the modifications are as 

32 

follows: 

33 

 

(a)  disregard any reportable employer superannuation 

34 

contribution that is not attributable to the employee's 

35 

employment with the Commonwealth or the licensed 

36 

corporation; and 

37 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

133 

 

 

(b)  disregard any reportable employer superannuation 

contribution to the extent that it is not attributable to the 

relevant period. 

Definitions 

 

(6)  In this section: 

FBT year has the same meaning as in the Fringe Benefits Tax 

Assessment Act 1986 (as it applies of its own force or because of 

the Fringe Benefits Tax (Application to the Commonwealth) Act 

1986). 

income year has the same meaning as in the Income Tax 

10 

Assessment Act 1997

11 

reportable employer superannuation contributions has the same 

12 

meaning as in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

13 

reportable fringe benefits total has the same meaning as in the 

14 

Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 (as it applies of its own 

15 

force or because of the Fringe Benefits Tax (Application to the 

16 

Commonwealth) Act 1986). 

17 

28  Subsection 9(1) 

18 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

19 

Basic rule 

20 

 

(1)  For the purposes of calculating the average weekly remuneration of 

21 

an employee before an injury, the relevant period is, subject to this 

22 

section, the latest period of 2 weeks before the date of the injury 

23 

during which the employee was continuously employed by the 

24 

Commonwealth or a licensed corporation. 

25 

29  Subsection 9(3) 

26 

Omit "normal weekly earnings" (wherever occurring), substitute 

27 

"average weekly remuneration". 

28 

30  At the end of section 9 

29 

Insert: 

30 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

134 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Alternative relevant period 

 

(5)  The relevant authority may determine that, for the purposes of 

calculating the average weekly remuneration of an employee 

before an injury, the relevant period is the period specified in the 

determination, instead of the period calculated under the preceding 

subsections. 

 

(6)  The relevant authority must not determine a period for an 

employee under subsection (5) unless the relevant authority is 

satisfied that the remuneration attributable to the employee's 

employment during the period is a fair representation of the 

10 

remuneration that was attributable to the employee's employment 

11 

before the date of the injury concerned. 

12 

 

(7)  A period determined by the relevant authority under subsection (5) 

13 

must consist of: 

14 

 

(a)  a single week; or 

15 

 

(b)  2 or more weeks (whether consecutive or otherwise). 

16 

 

(8)  If the relevant authority determines a period for an employee under 

17 

subsection (5), the relevant authority must notify the employee, in 

18 

writing, of the determination. 

19 

31  Subsections 19(2) to (3) 

20 

Repeal the subsections, substitute: 

21 

 

(2)  Subject to this Part, Comcare is liable to pay to the employee in 

22 

respect of the injury, for each week during which the employee is 

23 

incapacitated for work as a result of the injury, an amount of 

24 

compensation worked out using the formula: 

25 

Adjustment

Average weekly

Applicable

percentage

 remuneration

 earnings

 

26 

where: 

27 

adjustment percentage means: 

28 

 

(a)  if the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

29 

injury for 13 weeks or less--100%; or 

30 

 

(b)  if the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

31 

injury for more than 13 weeks--90%. 

32 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

135 

 

applicable earnings is the greater of the following amounts: 

 

(a)  the amount per week (if any) that the employee is able to 

earn in suitable employment; 

 

(b)  the amount per week (if any) that the employee earns from 

any employment (including self-employment) that is 

undertaken by the employee during that week. 

average weekly remuneration is the amount of the employee's 

average weekly remuneration before the injury. 

 

(2A)  If the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the injury 

for at least 27 weeks but less than 53 weeks, the amount of 

10 

compensation payable to the employee in respect of a week under 

11 

subsection (2) must not exceed 80% of the employee's average 

12 

weekly remuneration before the injury. 

13 

 

(2B)  If the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the injury 

14 

for 53 weeks or more, the amount of compensation payable to the 

15 

employee in respect of a week under subsection (2) must not 

16 

exceed 70% of the employee's average weekly remuneration 

17 

before the injury. 

18 

 

(2C)  For the purposes of subsections (2), (2A) and (2B), it is immaterial 

19 

whether the weeks mentioned in those subsections are consecutive. 

20 

32  Before subsection 19(3A) 

21 

Insert: 

22 

Pension payable under superannuation scheme 

23 

33  Subsection 19(3A) 

24 

Omit "subsection (3)", substitute "subsection (2)". 

25 

34  Before subsection 19(4) 

26 

Insert: 

27 

Amount per week employee is able to earn in suitable employment 

28 

35  Subsection 19(4) 

29 

Omit "subsections (2) and (3)", substitute "subsection (2)". 

30 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

136 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

36  Subsections 19(5), (6) and (7) 

Repeal the subsections, substitute: 

 

(5)  If: 

 

(a)  the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

injury for more than 13 weeks (whether consecutive or not); 

and 

 

(b)  an amount of compensation calculated under subsection (2) 

exceeds 150% of the amount called the Average Weekly 

Ordinary Time Earnings of Full-time Adults, as published 

from time to time by the Australian Statistician; 

10 

the amount of compensation calculated under subsection (2) is to 

11 

be reduced by an amount equal to the excess. 

12 

Minimum earnings protection 

13 

 

(6)  If: 

14 

 

(a)  the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

15 

injury for more than 13 weeks (whether consecutive or not); 

16 

and 

17 

 

(b)  the minimum earnings of the employee exceeds 90% of the 

18 

employee's average weekly remuneration before the injury; 

19 

subsections (2A) and (2B) do not apply to the calculation of the 

20 

amount of compensation under subsection (2). 

21 

 

(7)  For the purposes of subsection (6), the minimum earnings of an 

22 

employee are taken to be: 

23 

 

(a)  $446.84; or 

24 

 

(b)  if subsection (8) or (9) applies in relation to the employee--

25 

the sum of: 

26 

 

(i)  $446.84; and 

27 

 

(ii)  the amount or amounts required to be added under 

28 

whichever of those subsections applies. 

29 

37  Subsections 19(8) and (9) 

30 

Omit "$202 specified in paragraph (7)(a) ", substitute "$446.84 

31 

specified in subsection (7)". 

32 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

137 

 

38  Subsection 20(3) (formula) 

Repeal the formula, substitute: 

Amount of compensation

Superannuation amount

 

39  Subsection 20(3) (definition of amount of compensation

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

amount of compensation means the amount of compensation that 

would have been payable to the employee for a week if section 19 

had applied to the employee. 

40  Subsection 20(4) 

Repeal the subsection. 

10 

41  Subsection 21(3) (formula) 

11 

Repeal the formula, substitute: 

12 

Amount of compensation

Weekly interest on the lump sum

 

13 

42  Subsection 21(3) (definition of amount of compensation

14 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

15 

amount of compensation means the amount of compensation that 

16 

would have been payable to the employee for a week if section 19 

17 

had applied to the employee. 

18 

43  Subsection 21(4) 

19 

Repeal the subsection. 

20 

44  Subsection 21A(3) (formula) 

21 

Repeal the formula, substitute: 

22 

Amount of

Superannuation amount

Weekly interest on

compensation

in relation to the person

 the lump sum

 

23 

45  Subsection 21A(3) (definition of amount of compensation

24 

Repeal the definition, substitute: 

25 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

138 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

amount of compensation means the amount of compensation that 

would have been payable to the employee for the relevant week if 

section 19 had applied to the employee. 

46  Subsection 21A(4) 

Repeal the subsection. 

47  Subsection 23(1) 

Omit "65", substitute "pension age". 

48  Subsections 23(1A) and (1B) 

Omit "63 suffers an injury (whether before or after the commencement 

of this subsection)", substitute "the age that is 2 years before pension 

10 

age suffers an injury". 

11 

49  Section 23A (heading) 

12 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

13 

23A  Repayment of monetary remuneration if compensation claim 

14 

successful 

15 

50  Paragraph 23A(1)(b) 

16 

Omit "Commonwealth salary etc. payment", substitute 

17 

"Commonwealth monetary payment". 

18 

51  Paragraph 23A(1)(b) 

19 

Omit "salary, wages or pay", substitute "monetary remuneration". 

20 

52  Subsection 23A(2) 

21 

Omit "salary etc.", substitute "monetary". 

22 

53  Subsection 23A(3) (note) 

23 

Omit "salary etc.", substitute "monetary". 

24 

54  Paragraph 23A(6)(a) 

25 

Omit "salary etc.", substitute "monetary". 

26 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

139 

 

55  Subsection 23A(6) 

Omit "of the Commonwealth salary etc.", substitute "of the 

Commonwealth monetary". 

56  Subsection 23A(9) 

Omit "salary etc.", substitute "monetary". 

57  Subsection 30(3) (paragraph (a) of the definition of 

number of days) 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

 

(a)  if the employee is injured before reaching the age that is 2 

years before pension age--on the day immediately before the 

10 

day on which the employee reaches pension age; and 

11 

58  Subsection 30(3) (paragraph (b) of the definition of 

12 

number of days

13 

Omit "63 years of age", substitute "the age that is 2 years before 

14 

pension age". 

15 

59  Subsection 33(1) 

16 

Omit "salary, wages or pay", substitute "monetary remuneration". 

17 

60  Paragraph 33(2)(e) 

18 

Omit "salary etc.", substitute "monetary". 

19 

61  Subsection 60(1) (definition of determination

20 

Before "14,", insert "9,". 

21 

62  Subsection 97F(1) 

22 

Omit "salary, wages or pay", substitute "monetary remuneration". 

23 

63  Subsection 112A(4) (note) 

24 

Omit "salary etc.", substitute "monetary remuneration". 

25 

64  Subsection 112B(4) (note) 

26 

Omit "salary etc.", substitute "monetary remuneration". 

27 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

140 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

65  Subsection 131(2) 

Omit "his or her normal weekly earnings", substitute "his or her average 

weekly remuneration". 

66  Subsection 131(2) 

Omit "those normal weekly earnings", substitute "that average weekly 

remuneration". 

67  Subsection 131(2A) 

Omit "employee's normal weekly earnings", substitute "employee's 

average weekly remuneration". 

68  Subsection 131(2A) 

10 

Omit "those increased normal weekly earnings" (wherever occurring), 

11 

substitute "that increased average weekly remuneration". 

12 

69  Subsection 131(3) 

13 

Omit "his or her normal weekly earnings", substitute "his or her average 

14 

weekly remuneration". 

15 

70  Subsection 131(3A) 

16 

Omit "employee's normal weekly earnings", substitute "employee's 

17 

average weekly remuneration". 

18 

71  Subsection 131(3A) 

19 

Omit "those increased normal weekly earnings" (wherever occurring), 

20 

substitute "that increased average weekly remuneration". 

21 

72  Subsection 131(4) 

22 

Omit "his or her normal weekly earnings" (wherever occurring), 

23 

substitute "his or her average weekly remuneration". 

24 

73  Paragraph 131(5)(b) 

25 

Omit "employee's normal weekly earnings", substitute "employee's 

26 

average weekly remuneration". 

27 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

141 

 

74  Subsection 131(6) 

Omit "employee's normal weekly earnings", substitute "employee's 

average weekly remuneration". 

75  Subsection 132(2) 

Omit "his or her normal weekly earnings", substitute "his or her average 

weekly remuneration". 

76  Subsection 132(2) 

Omit "those normal weekly earnings", substitute "that average weekly 

remuneration". 

77  Subsections 132(3) and (4) 

10 

Omit "his or her normal weekly earnings", substitute "his or her average 

11 

weekly remuneration". 

12 

78  Subsection 132(4) 

13 

Omit "those normal weekly earnings", substitute "that average weekly 

14 

remuneration". 

15 

79  Subsection 132(5) 

16 

Omit "employee's normal weekly earnings", substitute "employee's 

17 

average weekly remuneration". 

18 

80  Subsection 132(5) 

19 

Omit "those increased normal weekly earnings" (wherever occurring), 

20 

substitute "that increased average weekly remuneration". 

21 

81  Paragraph 132A(3)(b) 

22 

Omit "his or her normal weekly earnings", substitute "his or her average 

23 

weekly remuneration". 

24 

82  Subsection 137(5) (definition of number of days

25 

Omit "65 years of age", substitute "pension age". 

26 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 2  Application and transitional provisions 

 

 

142 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 2

--Application and transitional provisions 

83  Application of amendments 

(1) 

The amendments made by this Schedule (other than the amendments of 

sections 23A and 30, paragraph 33(2)(e) and sections 97F, 112A, 112B 

and 137 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

apply in relation to a payment of compensation in respect of a week that 

began after the commencement of this item. 

(2) 

The amendments of section 23A, paragraph 33(2)(e) and sections 112A 

and 112B of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

made by this Schedule apply in relation to a payment made by the 

10 

Commonwealth after the commencement of this item. 

11 

(3) 

The amendment of section 97F of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

12 

Compensation Act 1988 made by this Schedule applies in relation to an 

13 

estimate given after the commencement of this item. 

14 

(4) 

The amendment of section 137 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

15 

Compensation Act 1988 made by this Schedule applies in relation to a 

16 

determination made by the relevant authority after the commencement 

17 

of this item. 

18 

84  Transitional

--weekly compensation payments 

19 

(1) 

In this item: 

20 

post-commencement week means a week that began after the 

21 

commencement of this item. 

22 

(2) 

If, as at the commencement of this item, an employee has been 

23 

incapacitated for work as a result of an injury for a number of weeks 

24 

that is 13 or less: 

25 

 

(a)  for each of the first 13 post-commencement weeks for which 

26 

the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

27 

injury, section 19 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

28 

Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this Schedule) has 

29 

effect in relation to the employee as if: 

30 

 

(i)  the adjustment percentage were 100%; and 

31 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Application and transitional provisions  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

143 

 

 

(ii)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

enacted; and 

 

(b)  if the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

injury for at least 14 post-commencement weeks but less than 

27 post-commencement weeks, section 19 of the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by 

this Schedule) has effect in relation to the employee as if: 

 

(i)  the adjustment percentage were 90%; and 

 

(ii)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

enacted; and 

10 

 

(c)  if the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

11 

injury for at least 27 post-commencement weeks but less than 

12 

53 post-commencement weeks, section 19 of the Safety, 

13 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by 

14 

this Schedule) has effect in relation to the employee as if: 

15 

 

(i)  the adjustment percentage were 90%; and 

16 

 

(ii)  the amount of compensation payable to the employee in 

17 

respect of the week under subsection 19(2) of that Act 

18 

must not exceed 80% of the employee's average weekly 

19 

remuneration before the injury; and 

20 

 

(iii)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

21 

enacted; and 

22 

 

(d)  if the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

23 

injury for 53 post-commencement weeks or more, section 19 

24 

of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as 

25 

amended by this Schedule) has effect in relation to the 

26 

employee as if: 

27 

 

(i)  the adjustment percentage were 90%; and 

28 

 

(ii)  the amount of compensation payable to the employee in 

29 

respect of the week under subsection 19(2) of that Act 

30 

must not exceed 70% of the employee's average weekly 

31 

remuneration before the injury; and 

32 

 

(iii)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

33 

enacted. 

34 

(3) 

If, as at the commencement of this item, an employee has been 

35 

incapacitated for work as a result of an injury for a number of weeks 

36 

that is at least 14 but less than 27: 

37 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 2  Application and transitional provisions 

 

 

144 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(a)  for each of the first 13 post-commencement weeks for which 

the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

injury, section 19 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this Schedule) has 

effect in relation to the employee as if: 

 

(i)  the adjustment percentage were 100%; and 

 

(ii)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

enacted; and 

 

(b)  if the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

injury for at least 14 post-commencement weeks but less than 

10 

27 post-commencement weeks, section 19 of the Safety, 

11 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by 

12 

this Schedule) has effect in relation to the employee as if: 

13 

 

(i)  the adjustment percentage were 90%; and 

14 

 

(ii)  the amount of compensation payable to the employee in 

15 

respect of the week under subsection 19(2) of that Act 

16 

must not exceed 80% of the employee's average weekly 

17 

remuneration before the injury; and 

18 

 

(iii)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

19 

enacted; and 

20 

 

(c)  if the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

21 

injury for 27 post-commencement weeks or more, section 19 

22 

of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as 

23 

amended by this Schedule) has effect in relation to the 

24 

employee for a week as if: 

25 

 

(i)  the adjustment percentage were 90%; and 

26 

 

(ii)  the amount of compensation payable to the employee in 

27 

respect of the week under subsection 19(2) of that Act 

28 

must not exceed 70% of the employee's average weekly 

29 

remuneration before the injury; and 

30 

 

(iii)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

31 

enacted. 

32 

(4) 

If as at the commencement of this item, an employee has been 

33 

incapacitated for work as a result of an injury for a number of weeks 

34 

that is at least 27 but less than 46: 

35 

 

(a)  for the purposes of this item, N is whichever is the lesser of: 

36 

 

(i)  the difference between 45 and that number; and 

37 

 

(ii)  13; and 

38 

Calculation of compensation  Schedule 9 

Application and transitional provisions  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

145 

 

 

(b)  for each of the first N post-commencement weeks for which 

the employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the 

injury, section 19 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this Schedule) has 

effect in relation to the employee as if: 

 

(i)  the adjustment percentage were 100%; and 

 

(ii)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

enacted; and 

 

(c)  for each later post-commencement week for which the 

employee is incapacitated for work as a result of the injury, 

10 

section 19 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation 

11 

Act 1988 (as amended by this Schedule) has effect in relation 

12 

to the employee as if: 

13 

 

(i)  the adjustment percentage were 90%; and 

14 

 

(ii)  the amount of compensation payable to the employee in 

15 

respect of the week under subsection 19(2) of that Act 

16 

must not exceed 70% of the employee's average weekly 

17 

remuneration before the injury; and 

18 

 

(iii)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

19 

enacted. 

20 

(5) 

If, as at the commencement of this item, an employee has been 

21 

incapacitated for work as a result of an injury for 46 weeks or more, 

22 

then, for each post-commencement week for which the employee is 

23 

incapacitated for work as a result of the injury, section 19 of the Safety, 

24 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this 

25 

Schedule) has effect in relation to the employee as if: 

26 

 

(a)  the adjustment percentage were 90%; and 

27 

 

(b)  the amount of compensation payable to the employee in 

28 

respect of the week under subsection 19(2) of that Act must 

29 

not exceed 70% of the employee's average weekly 

30 

remuneration before the injury; and 

31 

 

(c)  subsections 19(2A) and (2B) of that Act had not been 

32 

enacted. 

33 

(6) 

For the purposes of subitems (2), (3), (4) and (5), it is immaterial 

34 

whether the weeks mentioned in those subsections are consecutive. 

35 

Schedule 9  Calculation of compensation 

Part 2  Application and transitional provisions 

 

 

146 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

(7) 

To avoid doubt, the effect that section 19 of the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this Schedule) has in 

relation to the employee: 

 

(a)  may be a direct result of compensation being payable under 

that section to the employee; or 

 

(b)  may be an indirect result of working out the compensation 

payable under section 20, 21, 21A, 22 or 31 to the employee. 

85  Transitional

--average weekly remuneration 

Subsection 8(9E) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 

1988 (as amended by this Schedule) has no effect in relation to 1 July in 

10 

a year unless that 1 July occurs after the 6-month period that began at 

11 

the commencement of this item. 

12 

86  Transitional

--indexation 

13 

Section 13 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

14 

applies in relation to an amount specified in subsection 19(7), (8) or (9) 

15 

of that Act (as amended by this Schedule) as if the reference in the 

16 

definition of relevant year in subsection 13(1) of that Act to 1 July 1988 

17 

were a reference to 1 July next following the 6-month period that began 

18 

at the commencement of this item. 

19 

87  Transitional

--certain former employees 

20 

The amendments of sections 131, 132 and 132A of the Safety, 

21 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 made by this Schedule do 

22 

not apply in relation to a former employee (within the meaning of 

23 

Part X of that Act) if it is not practicable to calculate the former 

24 

employee's average weekly remuneration. 

25 

Redemption of compensation  Schedule 10 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

147 

 

Schedule 10

--Redemption of compensation 

Part 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Paragraph 30(1)(b) 

Omit "$50", substitute "$208.91". 

2  Paragraph 137(1)(b) 

Omit "$62.99", substitute "$208.91". 

Schedule 10  Redemption of compensation 

Part 2  Transitional provisions 

 

 

148 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 2

--Transitional provisions 

3  Transitional

--indexation 

Section 13 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

applies in relation to the amount specified in subsection 30(1) or 137(1) 

of that Act (as amended by this Schedule) as if the reference in the 

definition of relevant year in subsection 13(1) of that Act to 1 July 1988 

were a reference to 1 July next following the 6-month period that began 

at the commencement of this item. 

Legal costs  Schedule 11 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

149 

 

Schedule 11

--Legal costs 

Part 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

Schedule of Legal Costs means the schedule prescribed under 

section 67A. 

2  After section 62 

Insert: 

62A  Reimbursement of costs incurred by a claimant in connection 

10 

with reconsideration of a determination 

11 

 

(1)  If: 

12 

 

(a)  a decision has been made, following a reconsideration under 

13 

subsection 62(4): 

14 

 

(i)  to vary a determination in a way that results in a more 

15 

favourable outcome for the claimant; or 

16 

 

(ii)  to revoke a determination; and 

17 

 

(b)  the claimant gives the determining authority a written 

18 

undertaking not to make an application to the Administrative 

19 

Appeals Tribunal for review of the decision; 

20 

the determining authority may reimburse the claimant for the 

21 

whole or a part of the costs reasonably incurred by the claimant in 

22 

connection with the reconsideration. 

23 

 

(2)  In exercising the power conferred by subsection (1), the 

24 

determining authority must comply with the Schedule of Legal 

25 

Costs. 

26 

 

(3)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  a claimant has given an undertaking to the determining 

28 

authority under paragraph (1)(b) not to apply to the 

29 

Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of a decision 

30 

Schedule 11  Legal costs 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

150 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

made following a reconsideration under subsection 62(4); 

and 

 

(b)  the determining authority has paid the claimant an amount 

under subsection (1) by way of reimbursement of the whole 

or a part of the costs reasonably incurred by the claimant in 

connection with the reconsideration; 

the claimant is not entitled to make an application to the 

Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of the decision unless: 

 

(c)  the claimant has, by written notice given to the determining 

authority, withdrawn the undertaking; and 

10 

 

(d)  the claimant has repaid the amount to the determining 

11 

authority. 

12 

3  After subsection 66(1) 

13 

Insert: 

14 

 

(1A)  If: 

15 

 

(a)  proceedings have been instituted under this Part; and 

16 

 

(b)  a party to the proceedings (other than the claimant) seeks to 

17 

adduce any matter in evidence before the Administrative 

18 

Appeals Tribunal in those proceedings; and 

19 

 

(c)  the party had not disclosed that matter to the Tribunal at least 

20 

28 days before the day fixed for the hearing of those 

21 

proceedings; 

22 

that matter is not admissible in evidence in those proceedings 

23 

without the leave of the Tribunal. 

24 

4  Subsection 67(8A) 

25 

After "instituted by the Commonwealth", insert ", or a part of those 

26 

costs,". 

27 

5  Subsections 67(8B) and (9) 

28 

After "incurred by the claimant", insert ", or a part of those costs,". 

29 

6  Subsection 67(10) 

30 

After "pay", insert "the whole or a part of". 

31 

Legal costs  Schedule 11 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

151 

 

7  After subsection 67(10) 

Insert: 

 

(10A)  In exercising a power conferred by subsection (8), (8A), (8B) or 

(9), the Administrative Appeals Tribunal must comply with the 

Schedule of Legal Costs. 

 

(10B)  If: 

 

(a)  a proceeding is instituted under this Part by the claimant; and 

 

(b)  the proceeding is dismissed under section 42B of the 

Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975

the Administrative Appeals Tribunal may, on the application of 

10 

another party to the proceedings, order that the costs of the 

11 

proceeding incurred by the other party must be paid by the 

12 

claimant. 

13 

8  At the end of Part VI 

14 

Add: 

15 

67A  Schedule of Legal Costs 

16 

 

(1)  Comcare may, by legislative instrument, prescribe a Schedule of 

17 

Legal Costs that: 

18 

 

(a)  provides that the amount paid under subsection 67(8) in 

19 

relation to a proceeding must not exceed the amount 

20 

specified in, or ascertained in accordance with, the Schedule 

21 

of Legal Costs; and 

22 

 

(b)  provides that the amount paid under subsection 67(8A) in 

23 

relation to a proceeding must not exceed the amount 

24 

specified in, or ascertained in accordance with, the Schedule 

25 

of Legal Costs; and 

26 

 

(c)  provides that the amount paid under subsection 67(8B) in 

27 

relation to a proceeding must not exceed the amount 

28 

specified in, or ascertained in accordance with, the Schedule 

29 

of Legal Costs; and 

30 

 

(d)  provides that the amount paid under subsection 67(9) in 

31 

relation to a proceeding must not exceed the amount 

32 

specified in, or ascertained in accordance with, the Schedule 

33 

of Legal Costs. 

34 

Schedule 11  Legal costs 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

152 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(2)  The Schedule of Legal Costs may provide that the amount paid 

under section 62A in relation to a reconsideration of a 

determination must not exceed the amount specified in, or 

ascertained in accordance with, the Schedule of Legal Costs. 

 

(3)  In exercising the power conferred by this section, Comcare must 

comply with the regulations. 

 

(4)  Different amounts may be specified in, or ascertained in 

accordance with, the Schedule of Legal Costs in different 

circumstances. 

 

(5)  Those circumstances include the circumstance that: 

10 

 

(a)  an agreement is reached between the parties to a proceeding, 

11 

or their representatives, as to the terms of the decision of the 

12 

Administrative Appeals Tribunal; and 

13 

 

(b)  section 42C of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 

14 

applies to the agreement; and 

15 

 

(c)  the agreement was reached as the result of a process set out 

16 

in the Schedule of Legal Costs. 

17 

 

(6)  Subsection (5) does not limit subsection (4). 

18 

 

(7)  Subsections (4), (5) and (6) do not limit subsection 33(3A) of the 

19 

Acts Interpretation Act 1901

20 

 

(8)  Comcare must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a Schedule 

21 

of Legal Costs is in force at all times after the commencement of 

22 

this section. 

23 

Legal costs  Schedule 11 

Application provisions  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

153 

 

Part 2

--Application provisions 

9  Application of amendments 

(1) 

The amendment made by item 2 applies in relation to a decision made 

after the commencement of this item. 

(2) 

The amendments made by items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 apply in relation to 

proceedings instituted after the commencement of this item. 

Schedule 12  Permanent impairment 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

154 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Schedule 12

--Permanent impairment 

Part 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(1) (definition of non-economic loss) 

Repeal the definition. 

2  Subsection 13(1) (definition of relevant amount) 

Omit "27(2),". 

3  At the end of subsection 24(1) 

Add: 

Note: 

See also sections 28A, 28B and 28C. 

10 

4  Subsection 24(3) 

11 

After "(4)", insert "or (4A)". 

12 

5  Subsection 24(4) 

13 

Repeal the subsection, substitute: 

14 

 

(4)  If the percentage determined by Comcare under subsection (5) is 

15 

75% or more, the amount assessed by Comcare is to be the 

16 

maximum amount. 

17 

 

(4A)  If the percentage determined by Comcare under subsection (5) is 

18 

74% or less, the amount assessed by Comcare is to be the amount 

19 

worked out using the formula: 

20 

Percentage determined by

Multiplying 

Maximum 

Comcare under subsection (5)

factor

amount

 

21 

where: 

22 

multiplying factor is the multiplying factor specified in an item of 

23 

the table in clause 1 of Schedule 1 for the percentage determined 

24 

by Comcare under subsection (5). 

25 

Permanent impairment  Schedule 12 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

155 

 

6  After subsection 24(8) 

Insert: 

 

(8A)  If, under section 28B, 2 or more injuries (the individual injuries

to an employee are treated as a single injury, subsections (7), (7A) 

and (8) do not apply to: 

 

(a)  any of those individual injuries; or 

 

(b)  the single injury. 

 

(8B)  Subject to section 25, if: 

 

(a)  under section 28B, 2 or more injuries to an employee are 

treated as a single injury; and 

10 

 

(b)  Comcare determines that the degree of permanent 

11 

impairment resulting from the single injury is less than 10%; 

12 

an amount of compensation is not payable to the employee under 

13 

this section. 

14 

7  Subsection 24(9) 

15 

Omit "$80,000", substitute "$350,000". 

16 

8  After subsection 25(3) 

17 

Insert: 

18 

 

(3A)  Subsection (3) has effect subject to section 25A. 

19 

9  At the end of section 25 

20 

Add: 

21 

 

(6)  If, under section 28B, 2 or more injuries (the individual injuries

22 

to an employee are treated as a single injury, subsections (4) and 

23 

(5) do not apply to: 

24 

 

(a)  any of those individual injuries; or 

25 

 

(b)  the single injury. 

26 

 

(7)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  under section 28B, 2 or more injuries to an employee are 

28 

treated as a single injury; and 

29 

Schedule 12  Permanent impairment 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

156 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(b)  Comcare has made a final assessment of the degree of 

permanent impairment of the employee resulting from the 

single injury; 

no further amounts of compensation are payable to the employee in 

respect of a subsequent increase in the degree of impairment, 

unless the increase is 10% or more. 

10  After section 25 

Insert: 

25A  Reduction of compensation 

 

(1)  If: 

10 

 

(a)  Comcare has made a determination that an employee is 

11 

suffering from a permanent impairment as a result of an 

12 

injury; and 

13 

 

(b)  an amount of compensation has been paid to the employee 

14 

following the making of the determination; and 

15 

 

(c)  the employee subsequently makes a claim for compensation 

16 

under this Division in relation to the injury; 

17 

the amount of compensation payable to the employee under this 

18 

Division on the determination of the claim is to be reduced (but not 

19 

below zero) by the total amount of compensation previously paid 

20 

to the employee under this Division in respect of the injury. 

21 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this section, if, under section 28B, 2 or more 

22 

injuries (the individual injuries) are treated as a single injury: 

23 

 

(a)  a determination in relation to any of the individual injuries is 

24 

taken to be, and to have been, a determination in relation to 

25 

that single injury; and 

26 

 

(b)  a claim for compensation in relation to any of the individual 

27 

injuries is taken to be, and to have been, a claim for 

28 

compensation in relation to that single injury; and 

29 

 

(c)  compensation paid in respect of any of the individual injuries 

30 

is taken to be, and to have been, compensation paid in respect 

31 

of that single injury. 

32 

11  Section 27 

33 

Repeal the section. 

34 

Permanent impairment  Schedule 12 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

157 

 

12  At the end of paragraph 28(1)(a) 

Add "and". 

13  Paragraph 28(1)(b) 

Repeal the paragraph. 

14  Paragraph 28(1)(c) 

Omit "and the degree of non-economic loss". 

15  After subsection 28(1) 

Insert: 

 

(1A)  A Guide prepared under subsection (1) may set out methods by 

which the degree of permanent impairment resulting from an injury 

10 

(expressed as a percentage) is to be reduced on account of an 

11 

employee having a degree (the pre-existing degree) of permanent 

12 

impairment immediately before the injury. 

13 

 

(1B)  If: 

14 

 

(a)  there is a pre-existing degree of permanent impairment; and 

15 

 

(b)  the pre-existing degree of permanent impairment cannot be 

16 

determined under the provisions of the Guide; 

17 

the degree of permanent impairment resulting from the injury is to 

18 

be reduced by 10%. 

19 

 

(1C)  A Guide prepared under subsection (1) may set out: 

20 

 

(a)  criteria by which a pre-existing degree of permanent 

21 

impairment is to be determined; and 

22 

 

(b)  methods by which the pre-existing degree of permanent 

23 

impairment is to be expressed as a percentage. 

24 

 

(1D)  A reduction mentioned in subsection (1A) may be a reduction to 

25 

0%. 

26 

 

(1E)  For the purposes of subsection (1A), it is immaterial whether the 

27 

permanent impairment immediately before the injury is permanent 

28 

impairment for which compensation has been paid, or is payable, 

29 

under this Division. 

30 

Schedule 12  Permanent impairment 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

158 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

16  Subsection 28(4) 

Omit "or the degree of non-economic loss suffered by an employee,". 

17  Subsection 28(5) 

Omit "or non-economic loss". 

18  Subsection 28(6) 

Omit "paragraphs (1)(a) and (b)", substitute "paragraph (1)(a)". 

19  Subsection 28(6) 

Omit ", or non-economic loss resulting from the injury or impairment,". 

20  At the end of Division 4 of Part II 

Add: 

10 

28A  Combined values--single injury 

11 

 

  If a single injury to an employee results in 2 or more permanent 

12 

impairments, this Division has effect subject to the following 

13 

modifications: 

14 

 

(a)  first, work out the degree of permanent impairment for each 

15 

of those permanent impairments as if paragraph (b) had not 

16 

been enacted; 

17 

 

(b)  second, the degree of the permanent impairment of the 

18 

employee resulting from that injury (expressed as a 

19 

percentage) is to be ascertained in accordance with the 

20 

combined values chart set out in the approved Guide by 

21 

applying the chart to the degrees worked out under 

22 

paragraph (a). 

23 

28B  Combined values--multiple injuries 

24 

 

  If the following conditions are satisfied in relation to 2 or more 

25 

injuries to an employee: 

26 

 

(a)  each of those injuries is an associated injury in relation to 

27 

each other of those injuries; 

28 

 

(b)  each of those injuries results in one or more permanent 

29 

impairments: 

30 

Permanent impairment  Schedule 12 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

159 

 

this Division has effect subject to the following modifications: 

 

(c)  first, work out the degree of permanent impairment for each 

of those permanent impairments as if paragraph (d) had not 

been enacted; 

 

(d)  second: 

 

(i)  those injuries are to be treated as a single injury; and 

 

(ii)  that single injury is taken to have resulted in each of 

those permanent impairments; and 

 

(iii)  the degree of permanent impairment of the employee 

resulting from that single injury (expressed as a 

10 

percentage) is to be ascertained in accordance with the 

11 

combined values chart set out in the approved Guide by 

12 

applying the chart to the degrees worked out under 

13 

paragraph (c). 

14 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

15 

28C  Psychological or psychiatric ailments etc. that are secondary 

16 

injuries 

17 

 

  For the purposes of this Division, if: 

18 

 

(a)  an employee suffers an injury (the primary injury); and 

19 

 

(b)  the primary injury results in another injury (the secondary 

20 

injury) to the employee; and 

21 

 

(c)  the secondary injury is: 

22 

 

(i)  a psychological or psychiatric ailment; or 

23 

 

(ii)  an aggravation of a psychological or psychiatric 

24 

ailment; or 

25 

 

(iii)  a psychological or psychiatric injury; or 

26 

 

(iv)  an aggravation of a psychological or psychiatric injury; 

27 

then: 

28 

 

(d)  this Division does not apply to the secondary injury; and 

29 

 

(e)  for the purposes of this Division, disregard the secondary 

30 

injury in determining the degree of the permanent 

31 

impairment of the employee. 

32 

21  Paragraph 45(1)(a) 

33 

Omit "24, 25 or 27", substitute "24 or 25". 

34 

Schedule 12  Permanent impairment 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

160 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

22  Subsection 45(1) 

Omit "24, 25 or 27" (last occurring), substitute "24 or 25". 

23  Paragraph 45(2)(b) 

Omit "24, 25 or 27", substitute "24 or 25". 

24  Subsection 55(4) 

Repeal the subsection. 

25  Subsection 60(1) (definition of determination) 

Omit "27,". 

26  At the end of the Act 

Add: 

10 

Schedule 1--Multiplying factors for 

11 

calculating compensation for injuries 

12 

resulting in permanent impairment 

13 

Note: 

See subsection 24(4A). 

14 

   

15 

   

16 

1  Multiplying factors 

17 

 

  For the purposes of subsection 24(4A), the following table is to be 

18 

used to work out the multiplying factor for a percentage 

19 

determined by Comcare under subsection 24(5): 

20 

 

21 

Multiplying factors 

Item 

Percentage 

Multiplying factor 

1% 

0.16 

2% 

0.17 

3% 

0.18 

4% 

0.19 

5% 

0.2 

6% 

0.21 

Permanent impairment  Schedule 12 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

161 

 

Multiplying factors 

Item 

Percentage 

Multiplying factor 

7% 

0.22 

8% 

0.23 

9% 

0.24 

10 

10% 

0.25 

11 

11% 

0.26 

12 

12% 

0.27 

13 

13% 

0.28 

14 

14% 

0.29 

15 

15% 

0.3 

16 

16% 

0.31 

17 

17% 

0.32 

18 

18% 

0.33 

19 

19% 

0.34 

20 

20% 

0.35 

21 

21% 

0.365 

22 

22% 

0.38 

23 

23% 

0.395 

24 

24% 

0.41 

25 

25% 

0.425 

26 

26% 

0.44 

27 

27% 

0.455 

28 

28% 

0.47 

29 

29% 

0.485 

30 

30% 

0.5 

31 

31% 

0.52 

32 

32% 

0.54 

33 

33% 

0.56 

34 

34% 

0.58 

35 

35% 

0.6 

36 

36% 

0.62 

37 

37% 

0.64 

Schedule 12  Permanent impairment 

Part 1  Amendments 

 

 

162 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Multiplying factors 

Item 

Percentage 

Multiplying factor 

38 

38% 

0.66 

39 

39% 

0.68 

40 

40% 

0.7 

41 

41% 

0.73 

42 

42% 

0.76 

43 

43% 

0.79 

44 

44% 

0.82 

45 

45% 

0.85 

46 

46% 

0.88 

47 

47% 

0.91 

48 

48% 

0.94 

49 

49% 

0.97 

50 

50% 

51 

51% 

1.014 

52 

52% 

1.028 

53 

53% 

1.042 

54 

54% 

1.056 

55 

55% 

1.07 

56 

56% 

1.084 

57 

57% 

1.098 

58 

58% 

1.112 

59 

59% 

1.126 

60 

60% 

1.14 

61 

61% 

1.154 

62 

62% 

1.168 

63 

63% 

1.182 

64 

64% 

1.196 

65 

65% 

1.21 

66 

66% 

1.224 

67 

67% 

1.238 

68 

68% 

1.252 

Permanent impairment  Schedule 12 

Amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

163 

 

Multiplying factors 

Item 

Percentage 

Multiplying factor 

69 

69% 

1.266 

70 

70% 

1.28 

71 

71% 

1.294 

72 

72% 

1.308 

73 

73% 

1.322 

74 

74% 

1.336 

 

Schedule 12  Permanent impairment 

Part 2  Application and transitional provisions 

 

 

164 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 2

--Application and transitional provisions 

27  Application of amendments 

The amendments made by this Schedule apply in relation to the 

determination of a claim for compensation under Division 4 of Part II of 

the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 if the claim was 

made after the commencement of this item. 

28  Transitional

--claims 

Scope 

(1) 

This item applies if, before the commencement of this item, an 

employee made a claim (the old claim) for compensation under 

10 

Division 4 of Part II of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 

11 

1988 in relation to an injury. 

12 

New claim 

13 

(2) 

After the commencement of this item, the employee is not entitled to 

14 

make a claim for compensation under Division 4 of Part II of the Safety, 

15 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this 

16 

Schedule) in relation to the injury unless: 

17 

 

(a)  the old claim has been finally determined; and 

18 

 

(b)  the employee gives the relevant authority a written 

19 

undertaking: 

20 

 

(i)  not to make a request under section 62 of that Act to 

21 

reconsider the determination of the old claim; and 

22 

 

(ii)  not to apply to the Administrative Appeal Tribunal for 

23 

review of a decision made under section 62 of that Act 

24 

as the result of a reconsideration of the determination of 

25 

the old claim; and 

26 

 

(iii)  not to institute any proceedings in a court (other than the 

27 

High Court) in relation to the determination of the old 

28 

claim. 

29 

(3) 

The employee must comply with an undertaking given by the employee 

30 

under subitem (2). 

31 

(4) 

If: 

32 

Permanent impairment  Schedule 12 

Application and transitional provisions  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

165 

 

 

(a)  the employee gives an undertaking under subitem (2); and 

 

(b)  at or after the time when the undertaking was given, the 

employee makes a claim (the new claim) for compensation 

under Division 4 of Part II of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this Schedule) in 

relation to the injury mentioned in subitem (2); and 

 

(c)  the employee institutes proceedings in the High Court in 

relation to the determination of the old claim mentioned in 

subitem (2); 

then: 

10 

 

(d)  the relevant authority may defer considering and determining 

11 

the new claim until those proceedings have been finally 

12 

determined; and 

13 

 

(e)  subsections 61(1A) to (1D) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

14 

Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this Act) do not 

15 

apply to the new claim. 

16 

(5) 

If: 

17 

 

(a)  compensation under Division 4 of Part II of the Safety, 

18 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 was paid to the 

19 

employee as a result of the determination of the old claim; 

20 

and 

21 

 

(b)  after the commencement of this item, the employee makes a 

22 

claim (the new claim) for compensation under Division 4 of 

23 

Part II of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 

24 

1988 (as amended by this Schedule) in relation to the injury; 

25 

and 

26 

 

(c)  the degree of permanent impairment is less than 10%; 

27 

compensation is not payable to the employee under that Division on the 

28 

determination of the new claim. 

29 

(6) 

If, after the commencement of this item, the employee makes a claim 

30 

for compensation under Division 4 of Part II of the Safety, 

31 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this 

32 

Schedule) in relation to the injury, the amount of compensation payable 

33 

to the employee under that Division on the determination of the claim is 

34 

to be reduced (but not below zero) by the total amount of compensation 

35 

previously paid to the employee under that Division (whether before or 

36 

after the commencement of this item) in respect of the injury. 

37 

Schedule 12  Permanent impairment 

Part 2  Application and transitional provisions 

 

 

166 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Other matters 

(7) 

Sections 28A, 28B and 28C of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this Schedule) have effect as if 

this item were a provision of Division 4 of Part II of that Act (as 

amended by this Schedule). 

(8) 

For the purposes of this item, if, under section 28B of the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this 

Schedule), 2 or more injuries (the individual injuries) are treated as a 

single injury: 

 

(a)  a determination in relation to any of the individual injuries is 

10 

taken to be, and to have been, a determination in relation to 

11 

that single injury; and 

12 

 

(b)  a claim for compensation in relation to any of the individual 

13 

injuries is taken to be, and to have been, a claim for 

14 

compensation in relation to that single injury; and 

15 

 

(c)  compensation paid in respect of any of the individual injuries 

16 

is taken to be, and to have been, compensation paid in respect 

17 

of that single injury. 

18 

29  Transitional

--indexation 

19 

Section 13 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

20 

applies in relation to the amount specified in subsection 24(9) of that 

21 

Act (as amended by this Schedule) as if the reference in the definition 

22 

of relevant year in subsection 13(1) of that Act to 1 July 1988 were a 

23 

reference to 1 July next following the 6-month period that began at the 

24 

commencement of this item. 

25 

Licences  Schedule 13 

   

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

167 

 

Schedule 13

--Licences 

   

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(10A) 

Omit "a reference to that corporation", substitute: 

a reference to: 

 

(a)  if that corporation is the licence holder of a single employer 

licence--that corporation; or 

 

(b)  if that corporation is covered by a group employer licence--a 

corporation that is designated by the licence as a relevant 

10 

authority for the licence. 

11 

2  At the end of subsection 4(10A) 

12 

Add: 

13 

Note: 

See also subsection 108AA(2) (liability accepted by a relevant 

14 

authority on behalf of the corporations covered by a group employer 

15 

licence). 

16 

3  After section 104A 

17 

Add: 

18 

104B  Single employer licence granted to a corporation must 

19 

authorise acceptance of liability and management of 

20 

claims 

21 

 

  A single employer licence granted to a corporation must: 

22 

 

(a)  authorise the licence holder, under section 108, to accept 

23 

liability to pay compensation and other amounts under this 

24 

Act in respect of: 

25 

 

(i)  particular injury, loss or damage suffered by; or 

26 

 

(ii)  the death of; 

27 

 

  some or all of its employees; and 

28 

 

(b)  authorise the licence holder (or a person acting on the licence 

29 

holder's behalf), under section 108B, to manage some or all 

30 

of the claims made by employees of the licence holder under 

31 

this Act. 

32 

Schedule 13  Licences 

   

 

 

168 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

104C  Single employer licence granted to a Commonwealth authority 

must authorise acceptance of liability or management of 

claims, or both 

 

  A single employer licence granted to a Commonwealth authority 

must: 

 

(a)  authorise the licence holder, under section 108, to accept 

liability to pay compensation and other amounts under this 

Act in respect of: 

 

(i)  particular injury, loss or damage suffered by; or 

 

(ii)  the death of; 

10 

 

  some or all of its employees; or 

11 

 

(b)  authorise the licence holder (or a person acting on the licence 

12 

holder's behalf), under section 108B, to manage some or all 

13 

of the claims made by employees of the licence holder under 

14 

this Act; 

15 

or both. 

16 

104D  Group employer licence must authorise acceptance of liability 

17 

and management of claims 

18 

 

  A group employer licence must: 

19 

 

(a)  authorise each relevant authority, under section 108AA, to 

20 

accept liability to pay compensation and other amounts under 

21 

this Act in respect of: 

22 

 

(i)  particular injury, loss or damage suffered by; or 

23 

 

(ii)  the death of; 

24 

 

  some or all of the employees of the corporations that were 

25 

covered by the licence when the injury, loss, damage or death 

26 

occurred; and 

27 

 

(b)  authorise each relevant authority (or a person acting on the 

28 

relevant authority's behalf), under section 108CA, to manage 

29 

some or all of the claims that the relevant authority is 

30 

authorised by the licence to accept. 

31 

4  At the end of section 108D 

32 

Add: 

33 

Licences  Schedule 13 

   

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

169 

 

Application of this Act 

 

(3)  If a single employer licence is granted, the application of this Act 

is subject to the conditions to which the licence is subject. 

5  At the end of section 108DA 

Add: 

Application of this Act 

 

(6)  If a group employer licence is issued, the application of this Act is 

subject to the conditions to which the licence is subject. 

Schedule 14  Gradual onset injuries 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

170 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Schedule 14

--Gradual onset injuries 

Part 1

--General amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

contributory employment, in relation to a gradual onset injury, has 

the meaning given by section 7B. 

financial authority responsible for a contributory employment, 

when used in relation to a gradual onset injury, has the meaning 

given by section 7B. 

10 

gradual onset injury has the meaning given by section 7B. 

11 

2  Before section 8 

12 

Insert: 

13 

7B  Gradual onset injury 

14 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, a gradual onset injury is an injury 

15 

suffered by an employee, where: 

16 

 

(a)  the injury is: 

17 

 

(i)  a disease of gradual development; or 

18 

 

(ii)  the result of a disease of gradual development; or 

19 

 

(b)  the injury: 

20 

 

(i)  results in a permanent impairment that is a hearing loss; 

21 

and 

22 

 

(ii)  is caused by a gradual process. 

23 

Contributory employment and financial authority 

24 

 

(2)  For the purposes of the application of this Act to a gradual onset 

25 

injury suffered by an employee, if the injury was contributed to, to 

26 

a significant degree, by: 

27 

 

(a)  the employee's employment by an Entity; or 

28 

Gradual onset injuries  Schedule 14 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

171 

 

 

(b)  the employee's employment by a Commonwealth authority 

(other than a licensed authority); or 

 

(c)  the employee's employment by a licensee; 

then: 

 

(d)  the employment is a contributory employment; and 

 

(e)  if paragraph (a) or (b) applies--Comcare is the financial 

authority responsible for the contributory employment; and 

 

(f)  if paragraph (c) applies--the licensee is the financial 

authority responsible for the contributory employment. 

 

(3)  Subsection (2) of this section does not apply to section 35. 

10 

3  After subsection 97A(1) 

11 

Insert: 

12 

 

(1A)  In determining the amount of the premium payable by an Entity or 

13 

Commonwealth authority in respect of a financial year under 

14 

section 97, Comcare may have regard to the principle that, in the 

15 

case of a gradual onset injury that has 2 or more contributory 

16 

employments, the premium burden attributable to that injury 

17 

should be shared among Entities and Commonwealth authorities 

18 

according to the proportion of the contribution to the gradual onset 

19 

injury made by those contributory employments. 

20 

4  After Division 5 of Part VIII 

21 

Insert: 

22 

Division 5A--Gradual onset injuries 

23 

108DB  Application of this Division 

24 

Scope 

25 

 

(1)  This Division applies to: 

26 

 

(a)  a gradual onset injury suffered by an employee; or 

27 

 

(b)  an associated injury; 

28 

if: 

29 

 

(c)  there are 2 or more contributory employments; and 

30 

Schedule 14  Gradual onset injuries 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

172 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(d)  at least one of those contributory employments is 

employment by a licensed corporation. 

Note 1: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

Note 2: 

 For contributory employment, see section 7B. 

Most recent contributory employment 

 

(2)  For the purposes of the application of this Division to a gradual 

onset injury, the most recent contributory employment is to be 

ascertained as at the time when the gradual onset injury was 

notified under section 53. 

108DC  Liability of Comcare 

10 

 

(1)  Comcare is not liable to pay compensation or other amounts under 

11 

this Act in respect of a gradual onset injury or associated injury 

12 

unless the most recent contributory employment was: 

13 

 

(a)  employment by an Entity; or 

14 

 

(b)  employment by a Commonwealth authority (other than a 

15 

licensed authority). 

16 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to a liability under section 108DF. 

17 

108DD  Liability of a licensee 

18 

 

(1)  A licensee is not liable to pay compensation or other amounts 

19 

under this Act in respect of a gradual onset injury or associated 

20 

injury unless the most recent contributory employment was 

21 

employment by the licensee. 

22 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to a liability under section 108DF. 

23 

108DF  Shared liability 

24 

Scope 

25 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

26 

 

(a)  there is a gradual onset injury or associated injury; and 

27 

 

(b)  a financial authority (the first financial authority

28 

responsible for a contributory employment has paid 

29 

compensation or another amount under this Act (other than 

30 

Gradual onset injuries  Schedule 14 

General amendments  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

173 

 

this section) in respect of the gradual onset injury or 

associated injury; and 

 

(c)  another financial authority is responsible for another 

contributory employment. 

Recovery of part of compensation from the other financial 

authority 

 

(2)  The first financial authority and the other financial authority may 

enter into an agreement under which the other financial authority 

reimburses a part of the compensation or other amount paid by the 

first financial authority. 

10 

 

(3)  If the first financial authority and the other financial authority do 

11 

not enter into an agreement under subsection (2): 

12 

 

(a)  the other financial authority is liable to pay to the first 

13 

financial authority an amount equal to the compensation or 

14 

other amount paid by the first financial authority multiplied 

15 

by the proportion of the contribution to the gradual onset 

16 

injury made by the other contributory employment; and 

17 

 

(b)  an amount payable under paragraph (a) may be recovered by 

18 

the first financial authority by action in a court of competent 

19 

jurisdiction. 

20 

Payments to the other financial authority 

21 

 

(4)  If the first financial authority has received an amount under 

22 

section 48, 50, 50A, 113, 114, 118 or 119 in relation to the gradual 

23 

onset injury or associated injury: 

24 

 

(a)  the first financial authority must: 

25 

 

(i)  pay to the other financial authority an amount equal to 

26 

the amount received multiplied by the proportion of the 

27 

contribution to the gradual onset injury made by the 

28 

other contributory employment; and 

29 

 

(ii)  do so within 30 days after receiving the amount; and 

30 

 

(b)  an amount payable under paragraph (a) may be recovered by 

31 

the other financial authority by action in a court of competent 

32 

jurisdiction. 

33 

 

(5)  If an amount payable by the first financial authority under 

34 

subsection (4) remains unpaid after the end of that 30-day period: 

35 

Schedule 14  Gradual onset injuries 

Part 1  General amendments 

 

 

174 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(a)  the first financial authority is liable to pay to the other 

financial authority, by way of penalty, an amount calculated, 

at the percentage rate specified in the regulations, on the 

amount unpaid, computed from the end of that 30-day period; 

and 

 

(b)  an amount payable under paragraph (a) may be recovered by 

the other financial authority by action in a court of competent 

jurisdiction. 

 

(6)  An amount payable by the other financial authority under 

subsection (3) is to be reduced by an amount paid to the other 

10 

financial authority under subsection (4). 

11 

108DG  Constitutional limits 

12 

 

(1)  This Division has no effect to the extent (if any) to which it 

13 

imposes taxation. 

14 

 

(2)  This Division has no effect to the extent (if any) to which its 

15 

operation would result in an acquisition of property (within the 

16 

meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) otherwise than 

17 

on just terms (within the meaning of that paragraph). 

18 

Gradual onset injuries  Schedule 14 

Amendments contingent on the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

175 

 

Part 2

--Amendments contingent on the 

commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation 

Legislation Amendment Act 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

5  Paragraph 7B(2)(c) 

Omit "a licensee;", substitute "the licence holder of a single employer 

licence; or". 

6  After paragraph 7B(2)(c) 

Insert: 

10 

 

(ca)  the employee's employment by a corporation covered by a 

11 

group employer licence; 

12 

7  Paragraph 7B(2)(f) 

13 

Omit "licensee", substitute "licence holder". 

14 

8  At the end of subsection 7B(2) 

15 

Add: 

16 

 

; and (g)  if paragraph (ca) applies--the corporations covered by the 

17 

licence are the financial authority responsible for the 

18 

contributory employment. 

19 

9  At the end of section 7B 

20 

Add: 

21 

 

(4)  For the purposes of subsection (2), corporation has the same 

22 

meaning as in Part VIII. 

23 

10  Paragraph 108DB(1)(d) 

24 

Repeal the paragraph, substitute: 

25 

 

(d)  at least one of those contributory employments is: 

26 

 

(i)  employment by the licence holder of a single employer 

27 

licence; or 

28 

Schedule 14  Gradual onset injuries 

Part 2  Amendments contingent on the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015 

 

 

176 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(ii)  employment by a corporation covered by a group 

employer licence. 

11  Section 108DD (heading) 

Repeal the heading, substitute: 

108DD  Liability of the licence holder of a single employer licence 

12  Subsection 108DD(1) 

Omit "A licensee", substitute "The licence holder of a single employer 

licence". 

13  Subsection 108DD(1) 

Omit "by the licensee", substitute "by the licence holder". 

10 

14  After section 108DD 

11 

Insert: 

12 

108DE  Liability of the corporations covered by a group employer 

13 

licence 

14 

 

(1)  The corporations covered by a group employer licence are not 

15 

liable to pay compensation or other amounts under this Act in 

16 

respect of a gradual onset injury or related death unless the most 

17 

recent contributory employment was employment by one of those 

18 

corporations. 

19 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply to a liability under section 108DF. 

20 

15  At the end of section 108DF 

21 

Add: 

22 

Group employer licence 

23 

 

(7)  If the other financial authority consists of the corporations covered 

24 

by a group employer licence, those corporations are jointly and 

25 

severally liable to pay an amount payable by the other financial 

26 

authority under subsection (3). 

27 

Gradual onset injuries  Schedule 14 

Amendments contingent on the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

177 

 

 

(8)  If the first financial authority consists of the corporations covered 

by a group employer licence, those corporations are jointly and 

severally liable to pay an amount payable by the first financial 

authority under subsection (4). 

Schedule 14  Gradual onset injuries 

Part 3  Application provisions 

 

 

178 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 3

--Application provisions 

16  Application of amendments 

The amendment made by item 4 applies in relation to an injury 

sustained by an employee after the commencement of this item. 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

179 

 

Schedule 15

--Sanctions 

Part 1

--Amendments commencing on the day after 

Royal Assent 

Division 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  After Division 5 of Part II 

Insert: 

Division 5A--Suspension of rights to compensation 

29G  Requirement for the purposes of a common law claim against a 

third party 

10 

 

(1)  If: 

11 

 

(a)  a claim is made, or the conduct of a claim is taken over, 

12 

under section 50; and 

13 

 

(b)  an employee or dependant is subject to a requirement made 

14 

under subsection 50(5) for the purposes of the claim; and 

15 

 

(c)  the employee or dependant fails to comply with such a 

16 

requirement; 

17 

the right of the employee or dependant to compensation under this 

18 

Act in respect of the injury, loss, damage or death to which the 

19 

claim relates is suspended until such time as the employee or 

20 

dependant complies with the requirement. 

21 

 

(2)  However, subsection (1) does not operate to suspend the 

22 

employee's right to compensation for the cost of medical treatment 

23 

that is payable under section 16. 

24 

 

(3)  If a right to compensation is suspended under subsection (1), 

25 

compensation is not payable in respect of the period of the 

26 

suspension. 

27 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 1  Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent 

 

 

180 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

29J  Requirement to give a statutory declaration 

 

(1)  If a claimant for compensation refuses or fails, without reasonable 

excuse, to give a statutory declaration under subsection 118(3), the 

claimant's rights: 

 

(a)  to compensation under this Act in respect of the injury or loss 

of, or damage to, property to which the claim relates; and 

 

(b)  to institute or continue any proceedings under this Act in 

relation to that compensation; 

are suspended until the statutory declaration is given. 

 

(2)  However, subsection (1) does not operate to suspend the claimant's 

10 

right to compensation for the cost of medical treatment that is 

11 

payable under section 16. 

12 

 

(3)  If a claimant's right to compensation is suspended under 

13 

subsection (1), compensation is not payable in respect of the period 

14 

of the suspension. 

15 

2  Subsections 50(5), (5A) and (6) 

16 

Repeal the subsections, substitute: 

17 

 

(5)  If Comcare makes or takes over the conduct of a claim under this 

18 

section, the employee or dependant must comply with any 

19 

reasonable requirement of Comcare for the purposes of the claim. 

20 

3  Subsections 118(4) and (5) 

21 

Repeal the subsections. 

22 

Division 2

--Application and transitional provisions 

23 

4  Application of amendments 

24 

(1) 

Section 29G of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

25 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to a requirement made 

26 

under subsection 50(5) of that Act after the commencement of this item. 

27 

(2) 

Section 29J of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

28 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to a requirement made by a 

29 

relevant authority under subsection 118(3) of that Act after the 

30 

commencement of this item. 

31 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

181 

 

5  Transitional provisions 

(1) 

Despite the repeal of subsections 50(5), (5A) and (6) of the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 by this Part, those 

subsections continue to apply, in relation to a requirement made under 

subsection 50(5) of that Act before the commencement of this item, as 

if that repeal had not happened. 

(2) 

Despite the repeal of subsections 118(4) and (5) of the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 by this Part, those 

subsections continue to apply, in relation to a requirement made by a 

relevant authority under subsection 118(3) of that Act before the 

10 

commencement of this item, as if that repeal had not happened. 

11 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

182 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Part 2

--Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

Division 1

--Amendments 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

6  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

breach of an obligation of mutuality means an act or omission that 

is declared by this Act to be a breach of an obligation of mutuality. 

cancellation regime: see section 29Z. 

legally qualified psychologist means a person registered under a 

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in the psychology 

10 

profession (other than as a student). 

11 

level 1 sanctions regime: see section 29W. 

12 

level 2 sanctions regime: see section 29X. 

13 

qualifying occasion has the meaning given by section 29ZD. 

14 

7  Subsections 4(10) and (10A) 

15 

Before "Part III", insert "section 29H or". 

16 

8  Paragraph 29G(1)(b) 

17 

Omit "an employee or dependant", substitute "a dependant". 

18 

9  Subsection 29G(1) 

19 

Omit "the employee or dependant" (wherever occurring), substitute "the 

20 

dependant". 

21 

10  Subsection 29G(2) 

22 

Repeal the subsection. 

23 

11  After section 29G 

24 

Insert: 

25 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

183 

 

29H  Confirmation diagnosis not obtained for a psychological or 

psychiatric ailment or injury 

 

(1)  If: 

 

(a)  an employee is incapacitated for work as a result of an injury 

that is: 

  

(i)  a psychological or psychiatric ailment; or 

 

(ii)  an aggravation of a psychological or psychiatric 

ailment; or 

 

(iii)  a psychological or psychiatric injury; or 

 

(iv)  an aggravation of a psychological or psychiatric injury; 

10 

and 

11 

 

(b)  the employee makes a claim for compensation in relation to 

12 

the injury; and 

13 

 

(c)  the employee's claim is not accompanied by a certificate by a 

14 

mental health practitioner; 

15 

the employee must: 

16 

 

(d)  both: 

17 

 

(i)  undergo an examination by a mental health practitioner; 

18 

and 

19 

 

(ii)  give the relevant authority a certificate by the mental 

20 

health practitioner; and 

21 

 

(e)  do so within 12 weeks after the employee makes the claim. 

22 

Suspension of compensation 

23 

 

(2)  If an employee refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to 

24 

comply with subsection (1), the employee's rights: 

25 

 

(a)  to compensation under section 19, 20, 21, 21A, 22 or 31 in 

26 

relation to the injury; and 

27 

 

(b)  to institute or continue any proceedings under this Act in 

28 

relation to compensation under section 19, 20, 21, 21A, 22 or 

29 

31 in relation to the injury; 

30 

are suspended until the employee: 

31 

 

(c)  undergoes an examination by a mental health practitioner; 

32 

and 

33 

 

(d)  gives the relevant authority a certificate by the mental health 

34 

practitioner. 

35 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

184 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(3)  If an employee's right to compensation is suspended under 

subsection (2), compensation is not payable in respect of the period 

of the suspension. 

Cost of examination etc. 

 

(4)  The relevant authority is liable to pay: 

 

(a)  the cost of conducting an examination mentioned in 

paragraph (1)(d) or (2)(c); and 

 

(b)  an amount equal to the amount of the expenditure reasonably 

incurred by the employee: 

 

(i)  in making a necessary journey in connection with the 

10 

examination; or 

11 

 

(ii)  in remaining, for the purposes of the examination, at a 

12 

place to which the employee has made a journey for that 

13 

purpose. 

14 

 

(5)  The matters to which the relevant authority is to have regard in 

15 

deciding questions arising under paragraph (4)(b) include: 

16 

 

(a)  the means of transport available to the employee for the 

17 

journey; and 

18 

 

(b)  the route or routes by which the employee could have 

19 

travelled; and 

20 

 

(c)  the accommodation available to the employee. 

21 

Mental health practitioner 

22 

 

(6)  For the purposes of this section, mental health practitioner means: 

23 

  

(a)  a legally qualified medical practitioner who is registered 

24 

under a Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in the 

25 

speciality of psychiatry (other than as a student); or 

26 

 

(b)  a legally qualified psychologist who is registered under a 

27 

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in the speciality 

28 

of clinical psychology (other than as a student); or 

29 

 

(c)  a legally qualified medical practitioner who has completed 

30 

mental health training, where the training was covered by an 

31 

approval under subsection (7). 

32 

 

(7)  For the purposes of paragraph (6)(c), Comcare may, by writing, 

33 

approve specified mental health training. 

34 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

185 

 

 

(8)  An approval under subsection (7) is not a legislative instrument. 

Other matters 

 

(9)  For the purposes of this section, certificate means a certificate in 

accordance with the form approved by Comcare for the purposes of 

paragraph 54(2)(b). 

12  Subsection 29J(1) 

After "claimant for compensation", insert "(other than an employee)". 

13  Subsection 29J(2) 

Repeal the subsection. 

14  Before Division 6 of Part II 

10 

Insert: 

11 

Division 5B--Obligations of mutuality 

12 

Subdivision A--Breach of obligation of mutuality 

13 

29L  Suitable employment 

14 

Failure to accept offer of suitable employment 

15 

 

(1)  If: 

16 

 

(a)  payments of compensation under section 19, 20, 21, 21A or 

17 

31 are being made to an employee because the employee is 

18 

incapacitated for work because of an injury; and 

19 

 

(b)  the employee has the potential to be in suitable employment; 

20 

and 

21 

 

(c)  the employee received an offer of suitable employment; and 

22 

 

(d)  the employee failed to accept that offer; and 

23 

 

(e)  the employee did not have a reasonable excuse for the failure 

24 

to accept that offer; 

25 

then: 

26 

  

(f)  the employee's failure to accept that offer is a breach of an 

27 

obligation of mutuality; and 

28 

 

(g)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

29 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

186 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(i)  the injury; and 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply in such circumstances as are set out 

in the regulations. 

Failure to engage, or to continue to engage, in suitable 

employment 

 

(3)  If: 

 

(a)  payments of compensation under section 19, 20, 21, 21A or 

31 are being made to an employee because the employee is 

10 

incapacitated for work because of an injury; and 

11 

 

(b)  the employee has the potential to be in suitable employment; 

12 

and 

13 

 

(c)  the employee received an offer of suitable employment; and 

14 

 

(d)  having accepted that offer, the employee failed to engage, or 

15 

to continue to engage, in that employment; and 

16 

 

(e)  the employee did not have a reasonable excuse for the failure 

17 

to engage, or to continue to engage, in that employment; 

18 

then: 

19 

 

(f)  the employee's failure to engage, or to continue to engage, in 

20 

that employment is a breach of an obligation of mutuality; 

21 

and 

22 

 

(g)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

23 

 

(i)  the injury; and 

24 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

25 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

26 

 

(4)  Subsection (3) does not apply in such circumstances as are set out 

27 

in the regulations. 

28 

Failure to seek suitable employment 

29 

 

(5)  If: 

30 

 

(a)  payments of compensation under section 19, 20, 21, 21A or 

31 

31 are being made to an employee because the employee is 

32 

incapacitated for work because of an injury; and 

33 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

187 

 

 

(b)  the employee has the potential to be in suitable employment; 

and 

 

(c)  the employee failed to seek suitable employment; and 

 

(d)  the employee did not have a reasonable excuse for the failure 

to seek suitable employment; 

then: 

 

(e)  the employee's failure to seek suitable employment is a 

breach of an obligation of mutuality; and 

 

(f)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

 

(i)  the injury; and 

10 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

11 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

12 

 

(6)  Subsection (5) does not apply in such circumstances as are set out 

13 

in the regulations. 

14 

Potential to be in suitable employment 

15 

 

(7)  For the purposes of this section, the potential of an employee to be 

16 

in suitable employment is to be ascertained having regard to: 

17 

 

(a)  the potential of the employee to be rehabilitated; and 

18 

 

(b)  the potential of the employee to benefit from medical 

19 

treatment; and 

20 

 

(c)  any other relevant matters. 

21 

29M  Medical examination 

22 

 

  If: 

23 

 

(a)  an employee is required to undergo an examination under 

24 

subsection 57(1); and 

25 

 

(b)  the employee: 

26 

 

(i)  refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to undergo 

27 

the examination; or 

28 

 

(ii)  in any way obstructs the examination; 

29 

then: 

30 

 

(c)  the employee's refusal or failure, or obstruction, as the case 

31 

may be, is a breach of an obligation of mutuality; and 

32 

 

(d)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

33 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

188 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(i)  the injury to which the examination relates; and 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

29N  Employee absent from work without a medical certificate etc. 

Scope 

 

(1)  This section applies to an employee if: 

 

(a)  payments of compensation under section 19, 20, 21, 21A, 22 

or 31 are being made to the employee because the employee 

is incapacitated for work because of an injury; and 

 

(b)  the employee is in suitable employment; and 

10 

 

(c)  under the terms and conditions of the suitable employment, 

11 

the employee is required to produce a medical certificate that 

12 

covers an absence of the employee from work; and 

13 

 

(d)  the employee refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to 

14 

produce the certificate: 

15 

 

(i)  within the period allowed under the terms and 

16 

conditions of the suitable employment; or 

17 

 

(ii)  if the terms and conditions of the suitable employment 

18 

do not specify a period within which the certificate must 

19 

be produced--as soon as reasonably practicable. 

20 

Breach of obligation of mutuality 

21 

 

(2)  The following provisions have effect: 

22 

 

(a)  the employee's refusal or failure to produce the certificate is 

23 

a breach of an obligation of mutuality; 

24 

 

(b)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

25 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (1)(a); and 

26 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

27 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

28 

Medical certificate 

29 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this section, medical certificate means a 

30 

certificate issued by a legally qualified medical practitioner or a 

31 

legally qualified dentist. 

32 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

189 

 

29P  Employee does not follow medical treatment advice 

Scope 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

 

(a)  payments of compensation under section 19, 20, 21, 21A, 22 

or 31 are being made to an employee because the employee is 

incapacitated for work as a result of an injury; and 

 

(b)  the employee has received medical treatment advice from a 

legally qualified medical practitioner or a legally qualified 

dentist; and 

 

(c)  the medical treatment advice is reasonable; and 

10 

 

(d)  the employee refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to 

11 

follow the medical treatment advice: 

12 

 

(i)  if the advice specifies a period within which the advice 

13 

should be followed--within that period; or 

14 

 

(ii)  otherwise--as soon as reasonably practicable. 

15 

Breach of obligation of mutuality 

16 

 

(2)  The following provisions have effect: 

17 

 

(a)  the employee's refusal or failure to follow the medical 

18 

treatment advice is a breach of an obligation of mutuality; 

19 

 

(b)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

20 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (1)(a); and 

21 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

22 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

23 

Reasonable excuse 

24 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this section, it is a reasonable excuse if: 

25 

 

(a)  the employee defers following the medical treatment advice 

26 

mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) for a reasonable period; and 

27 

 

(b)  the employee does so in order to obtain a second opinion 

28 

from another legally qualified medical practitioner or another 

29 

legally qualified dentist. 

30 

 

(4)  For the purposes of this section, it is a reasonable excuse if the 

31 

employee: 

32 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

190 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(a)  receives medical treatment advice from another legally 

qualified medical practitioner or another legally qualified 

dentist; and 

 

(b)  follows the medical treatment advice given by the other 

legally qualified medical practitioner or the other legally 

qualified dentist, as the case may be; and 

 

(c)  disregards the medical treatment advice mentioned in 

paragraph (1)(b). 

 

(5)  For the purposes of this section, it is a reasonable excuse if: 

 

(a)  the employee refuses to undergo surgery; or 

10 

 

(b)  the employee refuses to take or use a medicine. 

11 

Medical treatment advice 

12 

 

(6)  For the purposes of this section, medical treatment advice means 

13 

advice to do either or both of the following: 

14 

 

(a)  to obtain one or more items of medical treatment in relation 

15 

to the injury mentioned in paragraph (1)(a); 

16 

 

(b)  to engage in conduct that is incidental to obtaining any or all 

17 

of those items of medical treatment. 

18 

Incidental conduct 

19 

 

(7)  For the purposes of this section, if a person engages in conduct that 

20 

is: 

21 

 

(a)  preparatory to an item of medical treatment; or 

22 

 

(b)  ancillary to an item of medical treatment; or 

23 

 

(c)  otherwise directed towards ensuring that the person derives 

24 

the full benefit of an item of medical treatment; 

25 

the conduct is taken to be incidental to obtaining the item of 

26 

medical treatment. 

27 

Engage in conduct 

28 

 

(8)  For the purposes of this section, engage in conduct means: 

29 

 

(a)  do an act; or 

30 

 

(b)  omit to perform an act. 

31 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

191 

 

29Q  Assessment of need for household services and attendant care 

services 

 

  If an employee: 

 

(a)  refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to undergo an 

assessment in accordance with a requirement under 

subsection 29B(1); or 

 

(b)  in any way obstructs such an assessment; 

then: 

 

(c)  the employee's refusal or failure, or obstruction, as the case 

may be, is a breach of an obligation of mutuality; and 

10 

 

(d)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

11 

 

(i)  the injury to which the assessment relates; and 

12 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

13 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

14 

29R  Workplace rehabilitation plan 

15 

 

  If an employee refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to fulfil 

16 

the employee's responsibilities under a workplace rehabilitation 

17 

plan for the employee in relation to an injury, then: 

18 

 

(a)  the employee's refusal or failure to fulfil those 

19 

responsibilities is a breach of an obligation of mutuality; and 

20 

 

(b)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

21 

 

(i)  the injury; and 

22 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

23 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

24 

29S  Work readiness assessment 

25 

 

  If: 

26 

 

(a)  an employee is required under section 38B to undergo a work 

27 

readiness assessment because the employee has suffered an 

28 

injury resulting in an incapacity for work; and 

29 

 

(b)  the employee: 

30 

 

(i)  refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to undergo 

31 

the assessment; or 

32 

 

(ii)  in any way obstructs the assessment; 

33 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

192 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

then: 

 

(c)  the employee's refusal or failure, or obstruction, as the case 

may be, is a breach of an obligation of mutuality; and 

 

(d)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

 

(i)  the injury; and 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

29T  Information notices 

 

(1)  If an employee refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to 

comply with a notice under subsection 58(1) that relates to a claim 

10 

made by the employee: 

11 

 

(a)  the employee 's refusal or failure to comply with the notice is 

12 

a breach of an obligation of mutuality; and 

13 

 

(b)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

14 

 

(i)  the injury to which the claim relates; and 

15 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

16 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

17 

 

(2)  If an employee refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to 

18 

comply with a notice under subsection 120A(1), then: 

19 

 

(a)  the employee's refusal or failure to comply with the notice is 

20 

a breach of an obligation of mutuality; and 

21 

 

(b)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

22 

 

(i)  the injury to which the notice relates; and 

23 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

24 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

25 

29U  Requirement for the purposes of a common law claim against a 

26 

third party 

27 

 

  If: 

28 

 

(a)  a claim is made, or the conduct of a claim is taken over, 

29 

under section 50; and 

30 

 

(b)  an employee is subject to a requirement under 

31 

subsection 50(5) for the purposes of the claim; and 

32 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

193 

 

 

(c)  the employee refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to 

comply with such a requirement; 

then: 

 

(d)  the employee's refusal or failure to comply with the 

requirement is a breach of an obligation of mutuality; and 

 

(e)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

 

(i)  the injury to which the claim relates; and 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

29V  Requirement to give a statutory declaration 

10 

 

  If: 

11 

 

(a)  an employee is subject to a requirement under 

12 

subsection 118(3) to give a statutory declaration in relation to 

13 

a claim; and 

14 

 

(b)  the employee refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to 

15 

comply with such a requirement; 

16 

then: 

17 

 

(c)  the employee's refusal or failure to comply with the 

18 

requirement is a breach of an obligation of mutuality; and 

19 

 

(d)  the breach is taken to be in connection with: 

20 

 

(i)  the injury to which the claim relates; and 

21 

 

(ii)  each associated injury. 

22 

Note: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

23 

Subdivision B--Sanctions 

24 

29W  Level 1 sanctions regime 

25 

 

(1)  If: 

26 

 

(a)  at a particular time, the relevant authority is satisfied that, 

27 

during the 12-month period ending at that time, there was a 

28 

qualifying occasion on which an employee breached an 

29 

obligation of mutuality in relation to an injury; and 

30 

 

(b)  the employee is not subject to the level 2 sanctions regime in 

31 

relation to: 

32 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); or 

33 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

194 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(ii)  an associated injury; and 

 

(c)  the employee is not subject to the cancellation regime in 

relation to: 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); or 

 

(ii)  an associated injury; and 

 

(d)  the employee is not already subject to the level 1 sanctions 

regime in relation to: 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); or 

 

(ii)  an associated injury; 

the relevant authority must, by written notice given to the 

10 

employee: 

11 

 

(e)  determine that the employee is subject to the level 1 

12 

sanctions regime in relation to: 

13 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); and 

14 

 

(ii)  each associated injury; and 

15 

 

(f)  if: 

16 

 

(i)  the breach is not covered by section 29L; and 

17 

 

(ii)  the breach has not stopped; 

18 

 

  determine that, if the breach continues for longer than the 

19 

specified number of days after the notice was given, the time 

20 

immediately after the end of that specified number of days 

21 

will be treated as a separate qualifying occasion on which the 

22 

employee breaches an obligation of mutuality in relation to 

23 

the injury mentioned in paragraph (a). 

24 

Note 1: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

25 

Note 2: 

For qualifying occasion, see section 29ZD. 

26 

 

(2)  For the purposes of subparagraph (1)(e)(ii), it is immaterial 

27 

whether an associated injury is sustained after the determination 

28 

was made. 

29 

 

(3)  The number of days specified under paragraph (1)(f) must be 30 or 

30 

more. 

31 

 

(4)  A determination under subsection (1) must be accompanied by a 

32 

statement that: 

33 

 

(a)  sets out the nature, and brief details, of the breach; and 

34 

 

(b)  explains the consequences of the determination; and 

35 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

195 

 

 

(c)  sets out the effect of sections 29X, 29Y, 29Z and 29ZA; and 

 

(d)  if the breach is covered by section 29L--sets out the effect of 

subsections 19(2), (2A), (2B) and (4); and 

 

(e)  if: 

 

(i)  the breach is not covered by section 29L; and 

 

(ii)  the breach has not stopped; 

 

  sets out the action that the employee should take in order to 

stop the breach; and 

 

(f)  if: 

 

(i)  the breach is not covered by section 29L; and 

10 

 

(ii)  the breach has stopped; 

11 

 

  sets out the date when the breach stopped; and 

12 

 

(g)  sets out such other matters (if any) as are specified in the 

13 

regulations. 

14 

 

(5)  A determination under subsection (1): 

15 

 

(a)  comes into force at a time specified in the determination; and 

16 

 

(b)  remains in force until the employee becomes subject to the 

17 

level 2 sanctions regime. 

18 

 

(6)  The time specified under paragraph (5)(a): 

19 

 

(a)  must not be earlier than immediately after the occasion 

20 

mentioned in paragraph (1)(a); and 

21 

 

(b)  must not be later than the day on which the determination is 

22 

given to the employee. 

23 

29X  Level 2 sanctions regime 

24 

 

(1)  If: 

25 

 

(a)  at a particular time, the relevant authority is satisfied that, 

26 

during the 12-month period ending at that time, there was a 

27 

qualifying occasion on which an employee breached an 

28 

obligation of mutuality in relation to an injury; and 

29 

 

(b)  the qualifying occasion occurred when the employee was 

30 

subject to the level 1 sanctions regime in relation to: 

31 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); or 

32 

 

(ii)  an associated injury; and 

33 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

196 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(c)  the employee is not subject to the cancellation regime in 

relation to: 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); or 

 

(ii)  an associated injury; and 

 

(d)  the employee is not already subject to the level 2 sanctions 

regime in relation to: 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); or 

 

(ii)  an associated injury; 

the relevant authority must, by written notice given to the 

employee: 

10 

 

(e)  determine that the employee is subject to the level 2 

11 

sanctions regime in relation to: 

12 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); and 

13 

 

(ii)  each associated injury; and 

14 

 

(f)  if: 

15 

 

(i)  the breach is not covered by section 29L; and 

16 

 

(ii)  the breach has not stopped; 

17 

 

  determine that, if the breach continues for longer than the 

18 

specified number of days after the notice was given, the time 

19 

immediately after the end of that specified number of days 

20 

will be treated as a separate qualifying occasion on which the 

21 

employee breaches an obligation of mutuality in relation to 

22 

the injury mentioned in paragraph (a). 

23 

Note 1: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

24 

Note 2: 

For qualifying occasion, see section 29ZD. 

25 

 

(2)  For the purposes of subparagraph (1)(e)(ii), it is immaterial 

26 

whether an associated injury is sustained after the determination 

27 

was made. 

28 

 

(3)  The number of days specified under paragraph (1)(d) must be 30 or 

29 

more. 

30 

 

(4)  A determination under subsection (1) must be accompanied by a 

31 

statement that: 

32 

 

(a)  sets out the nature, and brief details, of the breach; and 

33 

 

(b)  explains the consequences of the determination; and 

34 

 

(c)  sets out the effect of sections 29Y, 29Z and 29ZA; and 

35 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

197 

 

 

(d)  if the breach is covered by section 29L--sets out the effect of 

subsections 19(2), (2A), (2B) and (4); and 

 

(e)  if: 

 

(i)  the breach is not covered by section 29L; and 

 

(ii)  the breach has not stopped; 

 

  sets out the action that the employee should take in order to 

stop the breach; and 

 

(f)  if: 

 

(i)  the breach is not covered by section 29L; and 

 

(ii)  the breach has stopped; 

10 

 

  sets out the date when the breach stopped; and 

11 

 

(g)  sets out such other matters (if any) as are specified in the 

12 

regulations. 

13 

 

(5)  A determination under subsection (1): 

14 

 

(a)  comes into force at a time specified in the determination; and 

15 

 

(b)  remains in force until the employee becomes subject to the 

16 

cancellation regime. 

17 

 

(6)  The time specified under paragraph (5)(a): 

18 

 

(a)  must not be earlier than immediately after the occasion 

19 

mentioned in paragraph (1)(a); and 

20 

 

(b)  must not be later than the day on which the determination is 

21 

given to the employee. 

22 

29Y  Suspension of compensation--employee subject to the level 1 

23 

sanctions regime or the level 2 sanctions regime 

24 

 

(1)  If: 

25 

 

(a)  an employee is subject to the level 1 sanctions regime, or the 

26 

level 2 sanctions regime, in relation to an injury; and 

27 

 

(b)  the employee is in breach of an obligation of mutuality in 

28 

relation to the injury; and 

29 

 

(c)  the breach is not covered by section 29L; 

30 

the employee's rights: 

31 

 

(d)  to compensation under this Act; and 

32 

 

(e)  to institute or continue any proceedings under this Act in 

33 

relation to compensation; 

34 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

198 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

are suspended so far as those rights relate to the injury. 

 

(2)  However, subsection (1) does not operate to suspend: 

 

(a)  the employee's right to compensation for the cost of medical 

treatment that is payable under section 16; or 

 

(b)  the employee's right to institute or continue proceedings by 

way of an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal 

for review of a reviewable decision that was made as the 

result of a reconsideration of a decision under this Division. 

 

(3)  If an employee's right to compensation is suspended under 

subsection (1), compensation in relation to the injury is not payable 

10 

in respect of the period of the suspension. 

11 

29Z  Cancellation regime 

12 

 

(1)  If: 

13 

 

(a)  at a particular time, the relevant authority is satisfied that, 

14 

during the 12-month period ending at that time, there was a 

15 

qualifying occasion on which an employee breached an 

16 

obligation of mutuality in relation to an injury; and 

17 

 

(b)  the qualifying occasion occurred when the employee was 

18 

subject to the level 2 sanctions regime in relation to: 

19 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); or 

20 

 

(ii)  an associated injury; and 

21 

 

(c)  the employee is not already subject to the cancellation regime 

22 

in relation to: 

23 

 

(i)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); or 

24 

 

(ii)  an associated injury; 

25 

the relevant authority must, by written notice given to the 

26 

employee, determine that the employee is subject to the 

27 

cancellation regime in relation to: 

28 

 

(d)  the injury mentioned in paragraph (a); and 

29 

 

(e)  each associated injury. 

30 

Note 1: 

For associated injury, see section 6B. 

31 

Note 2: 

For qualifying occasion, see section 29ZD. 

32 

 

(2)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(e), it is immaterial whether an 

33 

associated injury is sustained after the determination was made. 

34 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

199 

 

 

(3)  A determination under subsection (1) comes into force at a time 

specified in the determination. 

 

(4)  The specified time: 

 

(a)  must not be earlier than the qualifying occasion mentioned in 

paragraph (1)(a); and 

 

(b)  must not be later than the day on which the determination is 

given to the employee. 

 

(5)  A determination under subsection (1) is irrevocable. 

 

(6)  Subsection (5) does not apply to a revocation under 

subsection 62(5). 

10 

29ZA  Cancellation of compensation--employee subject to 

11 

cancellation regime 

12 

 

(1)  If an employee is subject to the cancellation regime in relation to 

13 

an injury, the employee's rights: 

14 

 

(a)  to compensation under this Act; and 

15 

 

(b)  to institute or continue any proceedings under this Act in 

16 

relation to compensation; 

17 

are cancelled so far as those rights relate to the injury. 

18 

 

(2)  However, subsection (1) does not operate to cancel the employee's 

19 

right to institute or continue proceedings by way of an application 

20 

to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of a reviewable 

21 

decision that was made as the result of a reconsideration of a 

22 

decision under this Division. 

23 

 

(3)  To avoid doubt, this section does not affect compensation under 

24 

section 17 or 18. 

25 

 

(4)  For the purposes of section 44, disregard this section. 

26 

29ZB  Liable employer to inform relevant authority of breach of 

27 

obligation of mutuality 

28 

 

  If: 

29 

 

(a)  an employee is incapacitated for work because of an injury; 

30 

and 

31 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

200 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(b)  the liable employer of the employee in relation to the injury 

is not the relevant authority; and 

 

(c)  after the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment 

(Improving the Comcare Scheme) Act 2015, the liable 

employer becomes aware of a breach by the employee of an 

obligation of mutuality; 

the liable employer must: 

 

(d)  inform the relevant authority of the breach; and 

 

(e)  do so as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the 

10 

breach. 

11 

29ZC  Recovery of overpayments 

12 

 

  For the purposes of paragraph 114(1)(b), if: 

13 

 

(a)  a determination was made under subsection 29W(1), 29X(1) 

14 

or 29Z(1); and 

15 

 

(b)  the determination came into force before it was made; 

16 

then, in determining whether an amount of compensation that has 

17 

been paid to a person under this Act should not have been paid, 

18 

assume that the determination had been made when it came into 

19 

force. 

20 

29ZD  Qualifying occasion on which employee breaches an obligation 

21 

of mutuality 

22 

 

  For the purposes of this Act, a qualifying occasion on which an 

23 

employee breaches an obligation of mutuality in relation to an 

24 

injury means: 

25 

 

(a)  if the breach is covered by section 29L--the occasion when 

26 

the breach occurred; or 

27 

 

(b)  if the breach is not covered by section 29L--the occasion 

28 

when the breach first occurred; or 

29 

 

(c)  an occasion that, in accordance with a determination under 

30 

section 29W or 29X, is treated as a qualifying occasion on 

31 

which the employee breaches an obligation of mutuality; 

32 

so long as the occasion occurred after the commencement of this 

33 

section. 

34 

Sanctions  Schedule 15 

Amendments commencing on Proclamation  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

201 

 

15  Subsections 57(2) and (5) 

Repeal the subsections. 

16  Subsection 60(1) (definition of determination

Before "30", insert "29W, 29X, 29Z,". 

Division 2

--Application provisions 

17  Application of amendments 

(1) 

The amendments of section 29G of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

Compensation Act 1988 made by this Part apply in relation to a 

requirement made under subsection 50(5) of that Act after the 

commencement of this item. 

10 

(2) 

The amendments of section 29J of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

11 

Compensation Act 1988 made by this Part apply in relation to a 

12 

requirement made under subsection 118(3) of that Act after the 

13 

commencement of this item. 

14 

(3) 

Section 29H of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

15 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to an injury sustained by an 

16 

employee after the commencement of this item. 

17 

(4) 

Subsections 29L(1) and (3) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

18 

Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this Part) apply in relation to 

19 

an offer of suitable employment if the offer was received after the 

20 

commencement of this item. 

21 

(5) 

Subsection 29L(5) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 

22 

1988 (as amended by this Part) applies in relation to a failure to seek 

23 

suitable employment, to the extent to which the failure occurred after 

24 

the commencement of this item. 

25 

(6) 

Section 29M of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

26 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to a requirement made by a 

27 

relevant authority under subsection 57(1) of that Act after the 

28 

commencement of this item. 

29 

(7) 

Section 29N of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

30 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to an absence that began 

31 

after the commencement of this item. 

32 

Schedule 15  Sanctions 

Part 2  Amendments commencing on Proclamation 

 

 

202 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

(8) 

Section 29P of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to advice given after the 

commencement of this item. 

(9) 

Section 29Q of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to a requirement made after 

the commencement of this item. 

(10) 

Section 29R of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to a refusal or failure to 

fulfil responsibilities under a workplace rehabilitation plan, to the extent 

to which the refusal or failure occurred after the commencement of this 

10 

item. 

11 

(11) 

Section 29S of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

12 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to a requirement made after 

13 

the commencement of this item. 

14 

(12) 

Subsections 29T(1) and (2) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and 

15 

Compensation Act 1988 (as amended by this Part) apply in relation to a 

16 

requirement made after the commencement of this item. 

17 

(13) 

Section 29U of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

18 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to a requirement made after 

19 

the commencement of this item. 

20 

(14) 

Section 29V of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

21 

(as amended by this Part) applies in relation to a requirement made after 

22 

the commencement of this item. 

23 

18  Transitional

--subsections 57(2) and (5) of the Safety, 

24 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

25 

Despite the repeal of subsections 57(2) and (5) of the Safety, 

26 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 by this Part, those 

27 

subsections continue to apply, in relation to a requirement made by a 

28 

relevant authority under subsection 57(1) of that Act before the 

29 

commencement of this item, as if that repeal had not happened. 

30 

Defence-related claims  Schedule 16 

   

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

203 

 

Schedule 16

--Defence-related claims 

   

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  At the end of section 147 

Add: 

 

(3)  In addition, this Act applies to defence-related claims and matters 

arising out of those claims as if: 

 

(a)  the amendments of this Act made by Schedules 1 to 15 and 

17 to the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation 

Amendment (Improving the Comcare Scheme) Act 2015 had 

10 

not been enacted; and 

11 

 

(b)  after the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 

12 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment 

13 

(Improving the Comcare Scheme) Act 2015, each reference in 

14 

this Act to an approved program provider were a reference to 

15 

an approved workplace rehabilitation provider. 

16 

 

(4)  After the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Safety, 

17 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

18 

Comcare Scheme) Act 2015, each of the following amendments 

19 

made by that Schedule is excluded from paragraph (3)(a): 

20 

 

(a)  the amendment that repealed the definition of approved 

21 

program provider in subsection 4(1); 

22 

 

(b)  the amendment that inserted the definition of approved 

23 

workplace rehabilitation provider in subsection 4(1); 

24 

 

(c)  the amendment of section 34; 

25 

 

(d)  the amendments of Division 2 of Part III. 

26 

 

(5)  After the commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 12 to the Safety, 

27 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

28 

Comcare Scheme) Act 2015, each of the following amendments 

29 

made by that Act is excluded from paragraph (3)(a): 

30 

 

(a)  the amendment made by item 20 of Schedule 12 to that Act, 

31 

to the extent that that item inserted sections 28A and 28B; 

32 

Schedule 16  Defence-related claims 

   

 

 

204 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

 

(b)  the amendment made by item 1 of Schedule 17 to that Act, to 

the extent that that item inserted the definition of associated 

injury in subsection 4(1); 

 

(c)  the amendment made by item 2 of Schedule 17 to that Act 

(associated injury). 

 

(6)  For the purposes of paragraph (5)(a), assume that: 

 

(a)  the amendment mentioned in that paragraph applied in 

relation to an injury sustained by an employee after the 

commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 12 to the Safety, 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

10 

Comcare Scheme) Act 2015, unless the injury is the result of 

11 

an injury sustained by the employee before the 

12 

commencement of Part 1of that Schedule; and 

13 

 

(b)  Part 2 of that Schedule had not been enacted. 

14 

 

(7)  If a defence-related claim relates to an injury that results in a 

15 

permanent impairment, Division 4 of Part II has effect, after the 

16 

commencement of Part 1 of Schedule 12 to the Safety, 

17 

Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

18 

Comcare Scheme) Act 2015, subject to the following 

19 

modifications: 

20 

 

(a)  first, work out the amount of compensation that would be 

21 

payable under that Division in respect of the injury if this 

22 

subsection had not been enacted; 

23 

 

(b)  second, work out the amount of compensation that would be 

24 

payable under that Division in respect of the injury if it were 

25 

assumed that: 

26 

 

(i)  the amendments of this Act made by that Schedule had 

27 

applied in relation to the injury; and 

28 

 

(ii)  item 15 of that Schedule had not been enacted; and 

29 

 

(iii)  item 20 of that Schedule, to the extent that that item 

30 

inserted section 28C, had not been enacted; and 

31 

 

(iv)  Part 2 of that Schedule had not been enacted; and 

32 

 

(v)  the amendments of this Act made by that Schedule 

33 

applied in relation to an injury sustained by an 

34 

employee after the commencement of Part 1 of that 

35 

Schedule, unless the injury is the result of an injury 

36 

Defence-related claims  Schedule 16 

   

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

205 

 

sustained by the employee before the commencement of 

Part 1 of that Schedule; and 

 

(vi)  paragraph (3)(a) of this section did not apply to the 

amendments of this Act made by that Schedule; 

 

(c)  third, if the amount of compensation worked out in 

accordance with paragraph (b) exceeds the amount of 

compensation worked out in accordance with paragraph (a)--

the amount of compensation payable under that Division in 

respect of the injury is the amount of compensation worked 

out in accordance with paragraph (b); 

10 

 

(d)  fourth, if the amount of compensation worked out in 

11 

accordance with paragraph (b) does not exceed the amount of 

12 

compensation worked out in accordance with paragraph (a)--

13 

the amount of compensation payable under that Division in 

14 

respect of the injury is the amount of compensation worked 

15 

out in accordance with paragraph (a). 

16 

Schedule 17  Interpretation 

Part 1  Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent 

 

 

206 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Schedule 17

--Interpretation 

Part 1

--Amendments commencing on the day after 

Royal Assent 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

1  Subsection 4(1) 

Insert: 

associated injury has the meaning given by section 6B. 

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law means a State or 

Territory law that provides for the registration or licensing of 

individuals who practise in any or all of the following professions 

10 

or occupations: 

11 

 

(a)  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice; 

12 

 

(b)  Chinese medicine; 

13 

 

(c)  chiropractic; 

14 

 

(d)  dental (including the profession of a dentist, dental therapist, 

15 

dental hygienist, dental prosthetist and oral health therapist); 

16 

 

(e)  medical; 

17 

 

(f)  medical radiation practice; 

18 

 

(g)  nursing and midwifery; 

19 

 

(h)  occupational therapy; 

20 

 

(i)  optometry; 

21 

 

(j)  osteopathy; 

22 

 

(k)  pharmacy; 

23 

 

(l)  physiotherapy; 

24 

 

(m)  podiatry; 

25 

 

(n)  psychology; 

26 

 

(o)  a profession or occupation specified in the regulations. 

27 

legally qualified dentist means a person registered under a Health 

28 

Practitioner Regulation National Law in the dental profession as a 

29 

dentist (other than as a student). 

30 

Interpretation  Schedule 17 

Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent  Part 1 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

207 

 

legally qualified medical practitioner means a person registered 

under a Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in the 

medical profession (other than as a student). 

working day means a day that is not: 

 

(a)  a Saturday; or 

 

(b)  a Sunday; or 

 

(c)  a public holiday in any State or Territory. 

2  After section 6A 

Insert: 

6B  Associated injury 

10 

Injuries other than diseases 

11 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, if the following conditions are 

12 

satisfied in relation to 2 or more injuries to an employee: 

13 

 

(a)  those injuries are not diseases; 

14 

 

(b)  those injuries arise out of, or in the course of: 

15 

 

(i)  the same incident; or 

16 

 

(ii)  the same state of affairs; 

17 

each of those injuries is an associated injury in relation to each 

18 

other of those injuries. 

19 

 

(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), if: 

20 

 

(a)  one or more injuries (the primary injuries) to an employee 

21 

arise out of, or in the course of, a particular: 

22 

 

(i)  incident; or 

23 

 

(ii)  state of affairs; and 

24 

 

(b)  any of the primary injuries results in one or more other 

25 

injuries (the secondary injuries) to the employee; 

26 

each of the secondary injuries is taken to have arisen out of, or in 

27 

the course of, that incident, or that state of affairs, as the case may 

28 

be. 

29 

Schedule 17  Interpretation 

Part 1  Amendments commencing on the day after Royal Assent 

 

 

208 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

No.      , 2015 

 

Injuries that are diseases 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this Act, if the following conditions are 

satisfied in relation to 2 or more injuries to an employee: 

 

(a)  those injuries are diseases; 

 

(b)  those injuries were contributed to, to a significant degree, by: 

 

(i)  the same incident; or 

 

(ii)  the same state of affairs; 

each of those injuries is an associated injury in relation to each 

other of those injuries. 

 

(4)  For the purposes of subsection (3), if: 

10 

 

(a)  one or more injuries (the primary injuries) to an employee 

11 

were contributed to, to a significant degree, by a particular: 

12 

 

(i)  incident; or 

13 

 

(ii)  state of affairs; and 

14 

 

(b)  any of the primary injuries results in one or more other 

15 

injuries (the secondary injuries) to the employee; 

16 

each of the secondary injuries is taken to have been contributed to, 

17 

to a significant degree, by that incident, or that state of affairs, as 

18 

the case may be. 

19 

Injuries covered by subsection 4(3) 

20 

 

(5)  This section does not apply to an injury covered by 

21 

subsection 4(3). 

22 

Interpretation  Schedule 17 

Amendments contingent on commencement of Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2015  Part 2 

 

 

No.      , 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Improving the 

Comcare Scheme) Bill 2015 

209 

 

Part 2

--Amendments contingent on commencement 

of Schedule 2 to the Safety, Rehabilitation 

and Compensation Legislation Amendment 

Act 2015 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 

3  Subsection 4(1) (definition of working day) (the definition 

that was inserted by item 20 of Schedule 2 to the 

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation 

Amendment Act 2015

Repeal the definition. 

10 

 


[Index] [Search] [Download] [Related Items] [Help]