Advocacy & peer supportMembership Verified
Australian Unions – Join or Get Help
Unions can provide advice, advocacy and referrals for members injured at work.
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
Do I need a lawyer?Commonwealth Schemes (Comcare, Seacare, DVA)
In one sentence
Not everyone needs a lawyer — but disputes, lump sums, common law and settlements are times to get advice.
Your next steps
- 1Check whether your state provides free legal help (see your state page).
- 2Contact Legal Aid or a community legal centre.
- 3Compare at least two lawyers and ask for written costs estimates.
- 4Bring your documents and a list of questions to your first appointment.
- 5Contact Comcare (1300 366 979) for free information about how the Commonwealth scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Request reconsideration by Comcare or your employer, then apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
- 7Watch the time limits — Reconsideration requests generally must be made within 30 days of receiving the decision.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How Commonwealth works
- Weekly payments
- Incapacity payments are based on normal weekly earnings, stepping down over time, and can continue until pension age in some cases.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical treatment costs are covered for accepted conditions.
- Permanent impairment
- Permanent impairment compensation is generally available at 10% WPI or more (lower for some injuries such as fingers, toes, taste and smell).
- Free legal help
- Unions, Legal Aid and ex-service organisation advocates (for DVA) can help. Open Arms supports veterans and families: 1800 011 046.
Questions you may have
What does 'no win, no fee' mean?
Usually you only pay professional fees if you win, but you may still owe out-of-pocket expenses (disbursements). Read the costs agreement carefully.
Can my union help?
Many unions provide advice or referral to lawyers for members injured at work.
How do I complain about a lawyer?
Each state has a legal services commissioner or law society that handles complaints.
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
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.