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Resolving a dispute through the DRD is less formal than going to court, but it is still a legal process which means steps have to be followed correctly.
Depending on the circumstances of the claim, disputes can be complicated. In these cases, workers may consider getting legal assistance. (contact a Union or the Law Society of WA to find out about legal assistance). The other parties in the dispute may use lawyers and registered agents to represent them. Lawyers set fees for their services, and you can get an idea of what maximum rates can be charged by phoning WorkCover WA's Advisory Service.
If you are a worker and come into WorkCover WA to lodge your application, the Registry staff will check your paperwork. You may need to collect other papers or supporting documents before you can lodge the application. The aim is to lodge all the documents you need to support your case at the beginning of the process. Your application form, and copies of it, can also be posted or faxed to the DRD Registry.
Faxed applications cannot be more than 20 pages, including the cover page.
WorkCover WA has produced a DVD and a brochure to assist injured workers, employers and others to understand the dispute resolution process.
The DVD Understanding Dispute Resolution: Information for Injured Workers was developed to help injured workers and others to understand the Dispute Resolution Directorate’s dispute resolution process. The DVD follows four injured workers through the process of their disputed claims as they work towards resolution.
Interpreter services, paid for by WorkCover WA, can be made available, subject to prior notice.
High and low resolution versions are available to download, see the links below.
Approximate download times for the chapters will be determined by your internet connection and computer speed, please choose high or low resolution footage on that basis.
High resolution:
- Chapter 1: About Dispute Resolution Directorate and lodging a Part XI Application (11Mb)
- Chapter 2: Step 1: Teleconferencing (24Mb)
- Chapter 3: Step 2: Conciliation (30Mb)
- Chapter 4: Step 3: Arbitration (20Mb)
- Chapter 5: Medical Assessment Panels (4 Mb)
- Chapter 6: Part XII Applications and Approved Vocational Rehabilitation Providers (14Mb)
Low resolution:
- Chapter 1: About Dispute Resolution Directorate and lodging a Part XI Application (3Mb)
- Chapter 2: Step 1: Teleconferencing (10Mb)
- Chapter 3: Step 2: Conciliation (13Mb)
- Chapter 4: Step 3: Arbitration (9Mb)
- Chapter 5: Medical Assessment Panels (2Mb)
- Chapter 6: Part XII Applications and Approved Vocational Rehabilitation Providers (6Mb)
The Guide to Dispute Resolution brochure provides general information about the processes involved in applying to the Dispute Resolution Directorate to have a workers’ compensation dispute resolved.
Download A Guide to Dispute Resolution here. PDF Version - 11 pages
Please refer to this link for further information: Making an application. If you require multiple hard copies of this publication, please contact Advisory Services on 1300 794 744.
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