We’re on your side.

Through almost 40 years and 60,000 injury case wins, we’re the team that understands.

Always 100% on your side.

About this blog

The authors of this blog are lawyers or consultants employed by the RCT Group of companies, which includes staff who work mainly within our Stringer Clark offices.

From time to time, we may also invite guest bloggers to contribute, in which case this will be made clear. Authors who are part of the RCT Group are qualified to practice law in Victoria, Australia. Any advice applies to Victorian State law.

Residents of other Australian States or Territories or countries are advised to seek legal advice from a lawyer practising in their own area, as laws may vary from region to region.

Recent Authors

Christian Farrelly is a solicitor whose professional focus is superannuation. He also has an interest in commercial and criminal law and wills and probate.

Shaun Marcus is an associate with RCT who specialises in workers compensation.

Philip Gardner is a Partner and leads the firm's Industrial and Employment practice. Philip has acted on behalf of Unions and numerous employees in cases conducted in most jurisdictions including the High Court, Federal Court, Federal Magistrates Court, Fair Work Australia and Victorian State Courts and Tribunals.

Creon Coolahan has extensive experience in a range of practice areas with a focus on injury law and employment issues.

Michael Burdess joined Stringer Clark in early 2006 and practices in the area of personal injury including WorkSafe and TAC.

Comcare's new compo guide finally released

Comcare, the Commonwealth Government's workers compensation scheme, has finally released its new draft guidelines, having had its previous guidelines challenged and overruled by the Federal Court.

The guidelines contain tables under which compensation entitlements are determined.

The discredited guide was found to be inconsistent with legislation that entitles all workers to financial compensation for any injury that leads to a permanent impairment level of 10% or more.

Comcare initially made a commitment to replace the dodgy guidelines with new ones by July this year. Then the deadline slipped to October. The agency has now prepared a new guide, which has a proposed commencement date of 1 December 2011.

Watch this space to see if the draft guide is passed in its present form and if in fact it commences on 1 December.

Time will tell whether this amended guide will prove to allow adequate compensation for injured workers.

Follow us on: