ComCare is the national authority for work health and safety and workers’ compensation. They serve as a government regulator, insurer, claims manager, and scheme administrator. ComCare aims to reduce workplace harm and assist with recovery and return to work. If you have a workplace-related injury or illness, you can make a claim with ComCare for assistance.
What types of complaints can you make?
You can make a complaint about:
Workers’ Compensation Claims
- Injury or Illness: If you are an employee of an Australian Government agency, statutory authority, or a licensed self-insurer and have suffered an injury or illness at the workplace, you can claim compensation. This includes injuries or illnesses that occur while travelling for work or conducting work-related business outside the main workplace.
Asbestos Related Claims
- Workers Compensation Claim Involving Asbestos: Employees of Australian Government agencies, statutory authorities, or licensed self-insurers who have suffered an asbestos-related illness can claim compensation if the illness is work-related.
- Other Asbestos Claims (under the ARC Act): If you have suffered loss, injury, or damage due to asbestos exposure and the Australian Government may be liable, you can make a claim. This applies to various conditions caused by inhaling asbestos dust or fibres.
Parliamentary Injury Compensation Claims
- Parliamentary Injury: Parliamentarians or the Prime Minister’s spouse who have suffered an injury or illness at work can claim compensation. This includes injuries sustained during activities performed as part of their duties.
Jurisdiction:
Claims are accepted from anywhere in Australia, provided they meet the criteria.
Time Limitations:
Claims should be lodged as soon as possible after the injury/illness.
ComCare will not deal with complaints about:
Asbestos-related claims by former employees of certain departments (e.g., Australia Post, Telstra) are managed directly by those entities and not by ComCare.
Who can you make a complaint against?
You can make a complaint against:
- Employer (Government Agencies or Departments): Typically the primary respondents in complaints involving public sector employees.
- Employer (Licensed Self-Insurers): Private sector companies authorised to manage their own workers' compensation insurance.
- Supervisors or Managers: Individuals overseeing day-to-day operations and employee activities.
- Human Resources Department: Handles administrative aspects of employment, including workers' compensation claims.
- Health and Safety Representatives: Elected or appointed individuals representing employees on health and safety matters.
- Rehabilitation Providers: Organisations or individuals offering services to help injured workers recover and return to work.
- Third-party Contractors: External entities or individuals contracted to perform work or services related to the workplace.
Additional Information:
ComCare does not handle claims against your employer directly, but rather works with your employer for you to receive compensation and rehabilitation to get back to work. If you want to file a complaint against your employer for sustaining injury, you cannot do this with ComCare.
Are you eligible to make a complaint?
Who can make a complaint?
- General Complaints: Employees of Australian Government agencies or statutory authorities, or licensed self-insurers.
- Asbestos Claims: Employees of Australian Government agencies, statutory authorities, or self-insured licensees.
- Parliamentary Compensation Claims: Parliamentarians or the Prime Minister’s spouse.
Before you lodge a complaint:
Report the injury or illness to your supervisor, obtain a medical certificate, and seek treatment.
Can I make a complaint on behalf of someone?
Claims for employees of self-insured licensees will be lodged by a third-party of the agency.
ComCare will not deal with complaints about:
Individuals not fitting the above categories cannot lodge a claim with ComCare.
What can this body do to help?
This body may provide support/financial assistance.
If your claim is accepted, you may be eligible for financial support or assistance in the following forms:
- medical treatment and rehabilitation services
- income support
- attendant care services
- household services
- aids, appliances and modifications
- travel costs
How to prepare your complaint
Format:
Submit the claim online or on paper, through your employer’s HR department.
Personal Details:
Anonymity is not an option – you must provide your name and date of birth.
Relevant Facts:
Detailed facts about the injury, including how, when, and where it occurred.
Time Limit:
Lodge your claim as soon as possible after the injury.
What Not to Include:
False or misleading statements.
Lodging your complaint and next steps:
You can lodge your compliant via:
- Online: online form
- Email: general.enquiries@comcare.gov.au
- Post: Comcare, GPO Box 9905, Canberra ACT 2601
- Telephone: 1300 366 979
Next steps:
- Acknowledgement of Receipt: You will receive an acknowledgment via email or phone call if the claim is handled by ComCare.
- Timeline: Your claims manager will provide a timeframe for processing your claim.
Additional Information: Keep a copy of your complaint, update ComCare with any changes impacting your claim, and provide all relevant information upfront to avoid delays.
More information:
Refer to the factsheet provided below for more information.
