Applying for a reconsideration of a determination
You or your employer can request a reconsideration of a primary determination made under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act).
Reconsiderations explained
If you would like to clarify the reason for a determination that was made on your claim, you should contact your claims manager.
If you disagree with the determination that has been made, you can request that it be reconsidered.
What a reconsideration involves
Reconsiderations are carried out by a reconsiderations officer who was not involved in making the primary determination.
A reconsideration is an internal review of a determination made under the SRC Act.
It is not a court process. It is a second look at the information and evidence on the claim to ensure the correct determination was made. The reconsiderations officer can consider whether all relevant information was obtained and request additional information if necessary.
A reconsideration of own motion is when a claims manager initiates a reconsideration of a determination previously made.
Determinations that can be reconsidered
Only determinations made under the SRC Act can be reconsidered.
This includes determinations:
- to accept or deny your claim for compensation
- to stop payment of compensation
- to increase or decrease your weekly payment of compensation
- made by your employer in relation to your rehabilitation
- to arrange an independent medical examination.
When you request a reconsideration, you can ask the reconsiderations officer to consider certain documents on your claim file or provide new information relevant to your claim.
Determinations that cannot be reconsidered
A reconsideration cannot be requested following:
- a notification of an intention to make a determination—this is an opportunity for you to respond to the intention or provide additional supporting evidence
- an administrative decision including the deemed date of injury or illness and the label of an accepted condition.
If you are not sure whether you can request a reconsideration, you should contact your claims manager.
Requesting a reconsideration
You have 30 days from when you receive the determination to make a request for reconsideration or you need to apply for an extension.
Who can make a request
A reconsideration request can come from:
- you or your representative
- your employer.
A medical practitioner, allied health professional or health provider cannot request a reconsideration for you unless you have given your written consent for them to act on your behalf.
If you need more time to submit a request
Employees of an Australian Government agency or statutory authority
If you need more time to submit your request for reconsideration, you should contact the Reconsiderations and Appeals Team via 1300 366 979 or write to general.enquiries@comcare.gov.au.
Employees of a self-insured licensee
If you work for an organisation which is a self-insured licensee, a staff member in your organisation or a third-party provider manages the request for reconsideration. Speak with your case manager for more information.
What information do you need to provide with your request
To consider your request for an extension of time, you need to explain why you are unable to submit your request or evidence within the 30-day timeframe.
You may also be asked to provide evidence in support of your extension of time request.
The person considering your request needs to know:
- what information you intend to provide
- when you will provide it by
- the purpose of the information.
Your request for an extension of time will be considered and you are advised of the reasons your request will be or will not be accepted.
An extension of time decision cannot be reconsidered.
How to submit your request for reconsideration
Employees of an Australian Government agency or statutory authority
We recommend you submit a request for reconsideration in writing, so there is no confusion although you can choose to make the request verbally.
- Submit a request for reconsideration in writing by completing the Reconsideration Request form (PDF, 152.7 KB) or call 1300 366 979.
- For your request for reconsideration to be accepted, you must include:
- the date of the determination
- the reason why you do not agree with the determination.
- an additional statement or new evidence you would like to be considered—there is limited opportunity to submit new evidence once your request is received.
You do not need to provide copies of documents contained on your claim file as the reconsiderations officer has access to those documents.
- Submit the form by:
- email to general.enquiries@comcare.gov.au
- mail to Comcare, GPO Box 9905, Canberra ACT 2601.
Emailing the form to us prevents delays in receiving your request.
Your employer, or ex-employer, receives a copy of your reconsideration request and any additional information you provide. They are invited to respond to any new evidence or provide comments regarding your request.
Your employer also has the right to request a reconsideration of a claim decision. If this happens, we notify you and provide you with a copy of their request and any supporting information. In these circumstances you will be invited to respond.
Employees of a self-insured licensee
If you work for an organisation which is a self-insured licensee, a staff member in your organisation or a third-party provider manages the request for reconsideration. Speak with your case manager for more information.
See a list of corporations and organisations with a self-insurance licence.
Reconsideration of own motion
A Claims Manager can make a reconsideration of own motion where the original determination contains an error of fact or law:
- An error of fact occurs when relevant evidence has not been considered or evidence is received after the determination has been made which makes the determination unsustainable
- An error of law occurs when a determination was inconsistent with the legislation or case law.
The Claims Manager should consider how a reconsideration of own motion on a past determination, which was made in good faith and based on relevant policy at the time, may adversely affect your rights, interests or legitimate expectations when deciding whether to undertake a reconsideration of own motion.
After we receive your request
The determination is reconsidered and you are issued with a reviewable decision in writing.
Reconsideration outcomes are known as a 'reviewable decision'. A reviewable decision will:
- revoke – the determination is overturned and replaced with the reviewable decision
- vary – the determination is changed in some way, or
- affirm – the determination does not change.
Role of the reconsiderations officer
Your reconsiderations officer reviews all relevant documents on the claim file and any additional information provided during the reconsideration process.
The reconsiderations officer is the best person to provide advice on the expected timeframe for reconsidering the determination
If the reconsideration is unable to be undertaken in the time initially advised to you, the reconsiderations officer will contact you to advise of the delay, including the reasons for it.
If you disagree with the reviewable decision
If you disagree with the reviewable decision, you may apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) to review the decision.
Your employer can also apply to the ART for a merits review of the reviewable decision.
An application for review must be lodged with the ART within 60 days from the day the reviewable decision is received. The details for the ART registry in your state are included in the reviewable decision.
Please note that the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) transitioned to the ART on 14 October 2024. The role of the ART to review decisions made by Comcare remains the same. For more information about the transition visit Administrative Review Tribunal.
