Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
Free, independent complaints service for disputes with super funds and insurers, including TPD and income protection.
Covers: National
What applies to me?
Your plain-English action plan
Step 1 · Your situation
Step 2 · Your state or scheme
Step 3 · Your next steps
My medical treatment has been denied.Australian Capital Territory
In one sentence
If treatment your doctor recommends is refused, ask for written reasons — refusals can often be reviewed.
Your next steps
- 1Request the decision and reasons in writing.
- 2Ask your treating specialist for a supporting report.
- 3Lodge a review or dispute within the time limit.
- 4Contact a free legal service if the treatment is urgent.
- 5Contact WorkSafe ACT (13 22 81) for free information about how the ACT scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Disputes can be referred to conciliation and arbitration, and proceedings may be brought in the ACT Magistrates Court.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made as soon as possible.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How ACT works
- Weekly payments
- Based on pre-incapacity weekly earnings, stepping down after 26 weeks, and generally continuing while you have reduced capacity until retirement age.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical and related treatment costs are covered.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sums for permanent loss or impairment are payable based on a table of maims or a WPI assessment.
- Free legal help
- Legal Aid ACT, unions and community legal centres can help.
Questions you may have
Do I have to attend an IME?
Usually yes if the request is reasonable — refusing can affect your payments. You can ask about travel, timing and a support person.
Can I pay for treatment myself and claim later?
Sometimes, but there is a risk you will not be reimbursed. Get advice first, or use Medicare/private health and tell them it is a compensation matter.
What about psychological treatment?
Psychology and psychiatry are commonly covered for accepted psychological injuries, and sometimes for secondary conditions.
Support available to you
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Community Legal Centres Australia
Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Fair Work Ombudsman
Information about workplace rights, dismissal and pay. Fair Work Commission deals with unfair dismissal and bullying applications.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Services Australia – Disability, Sickness and Carers
Centrelink line for the Disability Support Pension, sickness-related payments and carers.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
WorkSafe ACT
ACT work health and safety and workers compensation regulator.
Covers: ACT
General information only. Rules change and depend on your circumstances. Check with your regulator or get independent legal, financial or medical advice about your situation.