Arbitration
What is arbitration?
Arbitration is a service we offer that provides a final decision for workplace compensation disputes that haven’t been resolved through conciliation. If you're an injured worker with an eligible dispute, it gives you a quick, informal alternative to going to court.
Before you can apply for arbitration or court you’ll need to go through the conciliation process and receive a ‘Genuine Dispute Certificate’.
You can find out more detailed information about arbitration through our fact sheets on the resources page which cover everything from when to apply, what to expect at a hearing and more.
Learn more about the arbitration process here.
Can I apply for arbitration?
When a dispute isn’t resolved through conciliation and a Genuine Dispute Certificate is issued, you may decide to take the dispute to arbitration or Court.
You can apply for arbitration by sending us a completed Referral for Arbitration form if:
- the date of your injury is on or after September 1, 2022;
- you have a Genuine Dispute Certificate issued at conciliation; and
- your dispute is related to one or more of the following:
- Weekly payments
- Medical and like expenses
- Superannuation contributions
- Interest on an outstanding amount.
If you need help applying for arbitration, you can ask someone to do this on your behalf. They’ll need to put their details on the bottom of the Referral for Arbitration form and confirm that you’re happy for them to help you.
Learn more about applying and eligibility here.
What do I need to get started?
You should provide:
- a completed Referral for Arbitration form; and
- a Genuine Dispute Certificate issued at conciliation.
While our service is free and arbitration is an affordable alternative to going to court, we would recommend taking some time to understand the costs which may occur throughout the process. You can find out more in our Costs Fact Sheet.
Who can help me?
We want to make sure you have all the help you need. There are several organisations that provide assistance. A full list is available here.
Representation or assistance
You can have your own assistant or representative to help you through the arbitration process including:
- Union Assist (current and former union members may be eligible);
- WorkCover Assist;
- Other Union or support services; or
- Your own lawyer.
These services may be able to help you apply for arbitration, prepare for the hearing (including what information you need to provide) and communicate with us and the others involved in the dispute on your behalf.
An assistant or representative can also attend the arbitration hearing with you, but if you want your lawyer to attend you will need to ask our permission.
The stages of arbitration
What are the potential outcomes?
Arbitration may lead to one of the following:
- an agreement being made between you and the WorkSafe Agent or Self-insurer;
- the dispute being dismissed by the Arbitration Officer;
- the Arbitration Officer sending the dispute back to conciliation for further discussion with the agreement of those involved in the dispute; or
- an Arbitration Officer making a final decision (called a binding determination).
For Employers
Your role as an employer in arbitration depends on whether you have a WorkSafe Agent managing the claim or if you are a Self-insurer managing the claim yourself.
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If you’re an employer with a WorkSafe Agent
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If you’re an employer who is a Self-insurer