SIRA Dispute Resolution Services during COVID-19 pandemic
SIRA Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) is rapidly adapting the way it operates to protect the wellbeing of injured people, stakeholders and our decision-makers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Claim and merit review disputes
For claims and merit review disputes, we have ceased all in-person hearings. Decision-makers will determine how a matter should proceed and whether matters should be adjourned, or proceed to be determined on the papers, via teleconferencing or video conferencing.
Medical disputes
For medical disputes, DRS has implemented pre-appointment telephone screening to confirm whether it is appropriate and safe for a person to attend a scheduled medical assessment.
The health and wellbeing of all those involved in a medical assessment is our primary concern. Where appropriate, medical assessors and review panel members will avoid in-person contact by assessing matters on the papers or via video conference. Where circumstances allow, DRS will determine whether an in-person assessment should proceed.
We have asked medical decision-makers to follow the advice of the Australian Government Department of Health and NSW Health concerning the prevention of the possible spread of COVID-19.
Disputes in the 1999 motor accidents scheme
DRS is requesting all parties to a dispute in the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 scheme file material electronically via our email address - [email protected]. This includes lodgment of applications, replies, submissions and all other correspondence.
Disputes in the 2017 motor accident scheme
Matters under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 scheme will continue to be lodged electronically.