My workers' compensation claim was rejected — what do I do now?

You can challenge the decision. In every scheme there is a first step before any tribunal: in NSW you ask the insurer for an internal review, then take it to the Personal Injury Commission; in Victoria you request conciliation at the Workplace Injury Commission; in Queensland you apply to the Workers' Compensation Regulator for a review; in WA, the ACT and the NT you go to conciliation or mediation first; in South Australia you lodge directly with the South Australian Employment Tribunal; under the Commonwealth Comcare scheme you ask for a reconsideration. Read the decision letter the insurer or scheme sent you — it sets out your appeal rights and the deadline — and get advice quickly, because the deadlines are often short.

How long do I have to appeal a workers' compensation decision?

It varies by state and the deadlines are often short and strict. Queensland gives you 3 months to apply for a Regulator review, then only 20 business days to appeal to the QIRC. South Australia gives 1 month to lodge with the South Australian Employment Tribunal. Victoria gives 60 days to request conciliation. WA gives 28 days from a conciliation certificate to go to arbitration. The NT gives 90 days to request mediation, then 28 days to the NT Work Health Court. The Commonwealth gives 30 days for a reconsideration, then 60 days to the Administrative Review Tribunal. NSW and the ACT do not set one clean numeric cut-off, but you still should not delay. Always check the deadline stated in your own decision letter.

Where do I go to dispute a workers' compensation decision in my state?

The tribunal or court is different in every jurisdiction. NSW: the Personal Injury Commission. Victoria: conciliation at the Workplace Injury Commission, then the Magistrates' or County Court after a Genuine Dispute Certificate. Queensland: the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. South Australia: the South Australian Employment Tribunal. WA: WorkCover WA conciliation then arbitration. Tasmania: the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Tribunal stream of TASCAT. ACT: mandatory conciliation then arbitration. NT: NT WorkSafe mediation then the NT Work Health Court. Commonwealth/Comcare: reconsideration then the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Do I need a lawyer to dispute a workers' compensation decision?

You are not always required to have a lawyer — conciliation and many tribunal processes are designed to be accessible — but workers' compensation disputes are technical, deadlines are short and strict, and the insurer will usually be represented. Getting independent legal advice early is strongly recommended, especially before you accept or reject any offer. Many schemes also fund or subsidise advice for injured workers (for example through a workers' advisory or assistance service), so ask your regulator what help is available.

Is the workers' compensation appeal process different in each state?

Yes. Workers' compensation is not harmonised in Australia. Each state and territory and the Commonwealth (Comcare) runs its own scheme with a different first step, a different review body and tribunal, and a different deadline to lodge. This tool routes by jurisdiction so you see the dispute path that applies where you work. The single rule that applies everywhere: read the appeal rights and deadline in your decision letter, and act quickly. Source: each scheme's legislation and review body.

Workers Comp Dispute & Appeal Navigator by State

Your workers compensation claim was rejected or cut? Find the review body, the tribunal, and the appeal deadline for your state.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

Workers' compensation is not harmonised in Australia — every state, the territories and the Commonwealth run a different dispute process. If your claim was rejected, ceased or reduced, choose where you work to see the first step (internal review or conciliation), the tribunal or court, and the deadline to lodge. Deadlines are often short and strict, so check your decision letter and act quickly.

Find where to dispute a workers’ compensation decision in your state

If your claim was rejected, your weekly payments were cut, or a benefit was refused, you can challenge the decision — but workers’ compensation is not harmonised, so the first step, the tribunal or court, and the deadline are different in every scheme. Choose where you work to see the path that applies to you.

Your state or territory

New South Wales — how to dispute or appeal

1
First step — Insurer internal review, then the Personal Injury Commission (PIC)
Ask the insurer for an internal review of the decision. If you are still not satisfied, the dispute is resolved in the Personal Injury Commission (PIC).
2
Then the tribunal or court
Personal Injury Commission (PIC)
3
Time limit to lodge
NSW does not set one single fixed deadline to start a dispute in the Personal Injury Commission, but you should not delay. Some steps and back-pay periods are time-limited, and the relevant provisions (sections 289 and 289A) and the Commission's rules can affect what you can recover. Lodge as soon as you can rather than relying on the absence of a hard cut-off.

Who to call: SafeWork NSW — 13 10 50 (regulator website)
Source: Personal Injury Commission Act 2020 (NSW); Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW), ss 289, 289A.

Check your decision letter: Workers' compensation is not harmonised across Australia, and these dispute deadlines are often short and strict. The appeal rights and time limit that apply to you are set out in your decision letter (the insurer's or scheme's notice). Read that letter, note any stated deadline, and get advice quickly — do not wait, because missing a deadline can permanently end your right to challenge the decision.

This is general information, not legal advice, and is not a review of your decision. Workers' compensation is not harmonised — each scheme has its own review body, tribunal and deadline, and the right path depends on your own circumstances and the kind of decision you are disputing. Deadlines are often short and strict; missing one can end your right to challenge the decision. Confirm the current process and time limits with your scheme regulator, the review body, or a lawyer before relying on them.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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