Nominating a person or representative for a WCIRS review

The Workers Compensation Independent Review Service (WCIRS)

The WCIRS is a free, impartial service that reviews certain disputed decisions made by or on behalf of WorkSafe, when a worker believes a decision isn't right and conciliation hasn't resolved it.

Do I need to nominate a person or representative?

If you're under the age of 18 years or are living with a legal disability, your legal guardian, representative or person nominated by your legal guardian will need to represent you. The person representing you must be 18 or over.

If you are over 18 years of age, you don’t need to be represented to lodge an application with WCIRS. The WCIRS team can also provide you with assistance in relation to the process of lodging an application.

Who can I nominate to represent me?

If you would like to be represented, you can:

• nominating a friend or family member on your application form to represent or assist you, provided that person is 18 years or older
• calling WorkCover Assist on (03) 9941 0537, or email your enquiry to [email protected]
• calling Union Assist (if you’re a member of one of the unions they support) on (03) 9639 6144, or send an online message on the Union Assist website
• contacting your union representative
• contacting a lawyer.

If you need a lawyer, the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) offers a 'Find Your Lawyer Referral Service' on the LIV website.

What level of involvement can a nominated person or representative have?

If you would like the assistance of a nominated person or representative, you can provide that person’s details on the WCIRS application form. You will also need to tell us how you would like us to involve your nominated person or representative in relation to your application.

There are 2 ways that a nominated person or representative can be involved. On the application form you can ask us to:

• communicate and request information from you directly in relation to your application and send written correspondence to your nominated person/representative; or
• communicate with your nominated person/representative directly and have them manage all aspects of the application and review.

Changes to your nominated representative or how we involve them

We understand that sometimes circumstances can change and you may want to change who your nominated person or representative is. If you want to change your nominated person/representative, or how we involve them after the application form is lodged, you’ll need to let us know in writing by [email protected].

Costs

We are unable to reimburse you for any costs you might incur as a consequence of engaging a person or representative to assist you with an Independent Review regardless of the outcome.

If would like to nominate a lawyer to be your representative, it would be a good idea to discuss any costs this with your lawyer prior to nominating them as your representative.

Need extra support or information?

We understand that matters such as these can seem quite complex. If you require further clarification, information or assistance you can contact our service directly on 03 4243 7061 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, or email [email protected].