GUIDELINE PURSUANT TO SECTION 65

The 1998 amendments to the Victims Compensation Act introduced a new compensable injury of psychological or psychiatric disorder in respect of applications lodged on or after 7 April 1999.

Applicants seeking statutory compensation for that injury are required to provide an assessment report prepared by an approved professional. It seems clear that Parliament intended that that report be the sole basis on which the existence (or otherwise) or the new injury be determined. That of course is not to say that the applicant may not file as many reports as thought fit.

Whilst I am conscious that the awarding of expenses is entirely a matter for the compensation assessor making the determination, where the new disorder is claimed, it is appropriate that the expenses of the ONE authorised report only should be allowed.


Chairperson
20 May 1999.