Personal Injury Commission

When a workplace injury or motor accident occurs, navigating the compensation process in New South Wales can sometimes become complicated. Disputes may arise about liability, medical treatment, weekly payments, or the extent of permanent impairment. To ensure these disputes are handled fairly and independently, the Personal Injury Commission (PIC) plays a crucial role.

In this article, we’ll break down what the PIC is, why it exists, and what you need to know if your Workcover or CTP claim ends up there.

What is the Personal Injury Commission?

The Personal Injury Commission (PIC) is an independent tribunal that resolves disputes between injured people, insurers, and employers in workers’ compensation and motor accident (CTP) claims in NSW.

It was established in 2021, bringing together several previous bodies (such as the Workers Compensation Commission and the Dispute Resolution Service for CTP claims) into one streamlined organisation.

The PIC is not an insurer and does not represent employers or workers—it is an impartial body that makes binding decisions.

When Do Claims Go to the PIC?

Most claims under Workcover or CTP are managed directly between the worker (or injured person), their employer, and the insurer. However, if disagreements arise, they can be referred to the PIC. Common disputes include:

• Workers’ Compensation Claims:

  • Whether an injury is work-related.

  • Whether certain medical treatment is “reasonable and necessary.”

  • Amount and duration of weekly compensation payments.

  • Assessment of permanent impairment.

    
    

• CTP (Motor Accident) Claims:

  • Who was at fault.

  • Whether an injury is considered “minor” or more serious.

  • Access to ongoing treatment and income support.

  • Amount of lump sum compensation.

    
    

How Does the PIC Resolve Disputes?

The PIC aims to provide a fair, quick, and less formal process compared to traditional courts. Disputes may be resolved in several ways:

• Mediation/Conciliation – encouraging parties to reach agreement.

• Arbitration/Determination – where a PIC member hears evidence and makes a binding decision.

• Medical Assessments – independent doctors (approved by PIC) assess injuries and provide impartial opinions.

  
  

What Should Injured Workers Expect?

If your case is referred to the PIC, here’s what usually happens:

1. Application Lodged – Either you or the insurer lodges an application with the PIC.

2. Case Allocation – The case is assigned to a PIC member (like a tribunal judge).

3. Case Conference / Hearing – You may be invited to participate in a meeting (often online) where the dispute is discussed.

4. Medical Assessment (if needed) – If there’s a dispute about medical issues, you may need to see an independent doctor.

5. Decision Issued – The PIC will issue a formal determination that is legally binding.

   
   

Why the PIC Matters

For injured workers and road users, the PIC provides an accessible way to resolve disputes without the cost and delay of going through the courts. For employers and insurers, it provides a clear, structured pathway to resolve disagreements fairly and efficiently.

Ultimately, the PIC helps keep the NSW injury compensation system balanced, transparent, and focused on supporting recovery and return to work.

Key Takeaway

The Personal Injury Commission is there to ensure disputes in Workcover and CTP claims are resolved fairly and independently. If your claim ends up at the PIC, remember that it’s not about punishing one side or the other—it’s about finding a fair resolution so recovery and return to work can move forward.