PIC News No. 100

Keep up to date with the latest news edition issued by the Personal Injury Commission

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PIC News No. 100

24 Jul 2026

Keep up to date with the latest news edition issued by the Personal Injury Commission

In this edition, I would like to draw your attention to a new procedural direction that provides guidance to injured people who choose to represent themselves in Commission proceedings. While the Commission will always encourage all tribunal users to obtain legal advice before lodging an application before the Commission, we understand that in some cases they will choose not to. PD PIC16 outlines the requirement for self-represented litigants to comply with the Personal Injury Commission Rules 2021 and procedural directions, and the conduct that is expected of them when engaging with the Commission’s people.

Updates have also been made to Procedural Direction PIC1 to reflect recent amendments to the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW) in relation to bullying and sexual harassment; the Court Security Act 2005 in relation to its coverage of Commission premises; and the Workers Compensation Act 1987 in relation to certification by parties under the new s 195.

Our work to operationalise the legislative reforms to workers compensation continues, with changes to Forms 2 and 2A being released soon. We will continue to communicate changes to our forms and processes with you.

Tribunal users are advised that the Commission will no longer accept consent orders from parties that discontinue proceedings as a result of of the decision in Sentinel Community Services Pty Ltd v Chesaites [2026] NSWPICPD 22.

I can report that preliminary performance numbers for the 2025–26 financial year show that the Commission received a record of over 21,400 dispute applications which represents a 24% increase from the same period last year. While the Commission has responded well, with finalisations also increasing, the significant workload is starting to put pressure on our matters on hand and clearance rates. 

The Commission was saddened to learn of the recent passing of David Bowen whose contribution to personal injury dispute resolution reform and disability services over decades of service has been significant. The Commission’s General Member Belinda Cassidy has penned some words below, and all of us here at the Commission extend our condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.

Finally, I would like to provide my sincere thanks to Geoff Parker SC for his services to the Commission and the people of NSW. Geoff retired as a presidential member of the Commission on 30 June, and we have been incredibly fortunate to have benefited from his incredible skills and knowledge as a senior silk. I wish Geoff the very best for the future.

Regards, 
Judge Phillips
President

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