Tribunal can ignore WorkCover medical assessments

Court says tribunal can ignore WorkCover medical assessments (ABC News)

A court has ruled WorkCover assessments made by medical panels are not binding on the tribunal which rules on cases in South Australia.

Two injured workers with claims under the WorkCover Act challenged the power of the controversial medical panels.

Their case was referred to the SA Supreme Court. In a majority judgment it ruled the claims can be referred to the medical panels, but the opinions of those panels should not be binding on the Workers Compensation Tribunal.

The employees' lawyer, Steven Dolphin, was pleased with the outcome.

"It's a fabulous win for the workers of South Australia. The tribunal will have the final say in relation to workers compensation disputes, not the medical panels."

Unions are urging the SA Government to review laws and make them fairer on injured workers.