Edition No.84

Welcome

For those following the progress of the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, you’ll be aware that the Legislative Council’s Public Accountability and Works Committee held a formal hearing on 17 June as part of its inquiry.

One of our Senior Medical Assessors, Dr. Doug Andrews, provided expert evidence at that hearing – explaining what psychiatrists do and how the scheme operates in the context of the Personal Injury Commission. It was a valuable contribution, and the Committee welcomed his input. I would remark that this appearance was with the Commission’s permission, and I thank Dr Andrews for his contribution to this important debate.

There are further hearings scheduled for July, with submissions due 22 July. The Committee will then continue its consideration, culminating in a report with possible amendments.

Once the Bill passes, we will turn our attention to what needs to be done to implement it: operations, changes to rules, procedural directions and so forth.

But until then, it’s very much business as usual at the Commission.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Deputy President Michael Snell on his reappointment through to 30 June 2030. I look forward to continuing our work together in the years ahead.

Read on for further updates and exciting Commission developments.

Regards,
Judge Gerard Phillips
President

Re-appointment of Michael Snell as Deputy President

The Attorney General has reappointed Michael Snell as Deputy President of the Personal Injury Commission, with his term extending until 30 June 2030.
The role of Deputy President is the most senior judicial position after the President and is pivotal to setting the jurisprudence across the Commission’s various schemes. Mr. Snell’s re-appointment reflects his exceptional legal knowledge, decision-making capability, and commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the work of the Commission.

Deputy Presidents are also empowered to act in the capacity of the President during periods of absence and are key leaders in the interpretation and application of the law.

The Commission extends its congratulations to Mr. Snell on his re-appointment and looks forward to his continued contributions to improving outcomes for injured people in NSW.

Pathway updates

Enhanced portal delegate access
The Commission has rolled out the new Pathway Portal function allowing users to create delegates for themselves.

With this new function, a contact assigned to a matter can now assign a delegate to assist with case preparation and case management. Importantly, delegates will be able to be assigned to one or more contacts, allowing them to support multiple people within the organisation.

This feature is now live on the Pathway Portal, so it’s an ideal time to review access permissions and portal roles within your organisation.

Reminder: download an authenticator app
Staggered rollout of multi-factor authentication (MFA) with an authenticator app is under way, where users are asked to log into their account using an authenticator app on their smartphone. This added layer of security will provide an extra safeguard for account holders and strengthen Pathway’s overall security.

If you haven’t already, please download either the Microsoft or Google authenticator app from your app store now to prepare for this security enhancement.

Coming soon: new Workers Compensation forms to be available in the Portal
Two important forms will soon be made available in the Pathway Portal:

• Form 19: Application for Reconsideration
• Form 19A: Response to Reconsideration Application

Once live, users will be required to complete and submit them through the Portal. Legacy offline versions of these forms will no longer be accepted and will be returned with a request to lodge via the Portal.

Procedural Direction PIC7 is also being updated to reflect this change. Once in effect, Forms 19 and 19A must be lodged via the Pathway Portal rather than by letter.

Further updates, including a go-live date will be provided shortly.

Access the Pathway Portal

Call for content

To submit stories, materials or photographs for the workers compensation centenary publication, email history@pi.nsw.gov.au.

Have a question about the Personal Injury Commission?

If you have a question you would like to ask about the Commission, please email us at communications@pi.nsw.gov.au

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