Step 1: Navigating your appeal, Preparing a Notice of Appeal When filing a Notice of Appeal with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC), you, as a worker, claimant, or employer, can use the provided Form 9 WCR Notice of Appeal, available on the QIRC website under the Forms tab. Ensure you correctly identify the Workers’ Compensation Regulator as the respondent. Attach only the review decision being appealed. Additional documents or evidence can be provided during the appeal process.

For assistance with completing Form 9, refer to the QIRC's Workers' Compensation information on their website or contact the QIRC registry at 1300 592 987.

Step 2: Filing the Appeal when appealing a review within 20 Business Days Submit the Notice of Appeal to the QIRC within 20 business days of receiving notice of the review decision. This can be done in person, by fax, by post, or via email to qirc.registry@qirc.qld.gov.au.

Step 3: Sending a Copy to Workers' Compensation Regulatory Services (WCRS) Within 10 business days of filing with the QIRC, send a copy of the Notice of Appeal to Workers' Compensation Regulatory Services (WCRS) at appeals@oir.qld.gov.au, by fax, or by post to the Appeals Unit.

After receiving the appeal, an Appeals Officer is assigned to manage it. The Appeals Officer can be contacted for questions or discussions, though they cannot provide legal advice.

Step 4: Directions Orders and Preparation for Hearing Following the lodging of a Notice of Appeal, the QIRC will issue directions for managing the appeal, requiring the preparation of documents, statements, witness lists, and outlines of evidence. Refer to the QIRC website for detailed information.

Step 5: Section 552A Conference Appellants representing themselves are required to conference with the respondent, facilitated by an independent QIRC member. The QIRC will coordinate the conference to discuss the appeals process and address any questions.

Step 6: Attend the Hearing Upon receiving directions, attend a hearing where the appellant must prove their case. Present witnesses, including themselves, and provide relevant evidence. The Commissioner will make a decision based on the presented facts and evidence.

Step 7: Pay Any Appeal Costs Appellants may be responsible for appeal costs if they engage legal representation or if the appeal is unsuccessful. Costs awarded by the QIRC will follow specified rules and may not cover the entire legal expenses.

Step 8: Appeal to the Industrial Court within 21 Days If dissatisfied with the QIRC decision, either party can appeal to the Industrial Court within 21 days using Form 2A from the QIRC website. Note that the Industrial Court's decision is final.