نیو ساؤتھ ویلز ورکرز کمپنسیشن: نفسیاتی اور ادراکی جائزے

The rules for NSW workers compensation psychological injury claims changed significantly on 1 July 2026. If you are injured at work in NSW, or you support someone who is, it helps to know what is different and who does what.

This guide explains the roles of SIRA and icare, the new “relevant events” test, and how psychological and cognitive (thinking skills) assessments fit into a claim.

Who does what in NSW workers compensation

• سیرا (the State Insurance Regulatory Authority) regulates the scheme, sets guidelines and approves some health practitioners.
• Insurers manage claims. icare (Insurance and Care NSW) is the NSW Government insurer for many employers. Some employers use a specialised insurer or are self-insured.
• icare Workers Care supports people with severe workplace injuries, such as brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations, burns and permanent blindness, once the claim is accepted and severity criteria are met.
• The Independent Review Office (IRO) helps workers with complaints and questions about insurer decisions. You can call it on 13 94 76.
• The Personal Injury Commission resolves disputes between workers, employers and insurers.

What changed for psychological injury on 1 July 2026

The NSW Parliament passed major reforms in late 2025 and early 2026. SIRA’s workers compensation reform FAQs set out the timeline. The psychological injury changes started on 1 July 2026 and apply to primary psychological injuries notified on or after that date. Workers who notified an injury before 1 July 2026 stay under the earlier rules.

The relevant events test

A primary psychological injury is now only compensable if it was caused by one or more “relevant events” with a real and direct connection to work, and work was the main contributing factor. Relevant events include:

• violence or threats of violence
• criminal conduct
• witnessing a traumatic incident, and some forms of vicarious trauma
• sexual harassment, racial harassment or bullying
• excessive work demands

General workplace stress on its own no longer qualifies. Injury caused by reasonable management action, taken in a reasonable way, is also excluded. That includes things like performance feedback and disciplinary processes.

Claims about bullying, harassment or excessive demands

SIRA’s guide for workers and employers explains that claims based on sexual harassment, racial harassment, bullying or excessive work demands need a formal claim form. The insurer then has 42 days to decide whether to accept the claim, and interim weekly payments and some treatment costs can be paid while it decides.

Weekly payments, treatment and damages

• Weekly payments for primary psychological injury are generally limited to 130 weeks, unless you meet the criteria for extended benefits.
• Medical and related treatment is generally limited to one year after weekly payments stop, unless you have the highest needs.
• To claim work injury damages, a higher whole person impairment (WPI) is needed. The Personal Injury Commission says this starts at 25% for injuries notified from 1 July 2026 and rises in stages to at least 28% from 1 July 2029.

The Personal Injury Commission notes the changes do not apply to coal miners, volunteers or exempt workers such as police officers, paramedics and firefighters, who have separate arrangements.

Impairment assessments

Workers are now generally entitled to a single permanent impairment assessment for an injury. A further assessment is only allowed after an unexpected and material deterioration. SIRA says the Psychiatric Impairment Rating Scale (PIRS), the tool used to rate psychological impairment, is being reviewed, with a new assessment framework planned for mid-2027.

Where psychological and cognitive assessments fit

Treating psychology

Under SIRA’s guide for allied health practitioners, psychologists treating workers must be SIRA approved and need a referral from your nominated treating doctor before treatment starts. They also confirm with the insurer that the claim is accepted and the service will be paid. SIRA’s guidance for health providers now asks psychologists to document how a condition connects to specific relevant events.

Treatment usually involves evidence-based therapy, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, alongside practical planning for recovery at work. Your psychologist can also share progress with your doctor and insurer, with your consent, so decisions about work capacity are based on current information.

نیورو سائیکولوجیکل اسسمنٹ

A neuropsychological assessment looks in detail at memory, attention, processing speed, language and problem-solving. It can help after a head injury at work, or when thinking problems persist alongside depression, anxiety, pain or poor sleep. The results can guide treatment and return to work.

An assessment usually includes:

• an interview about the injury, your symptoms, health, education and work history
• a review of medical and rehabilitation records
• standardised tests of thinking skills, compared with people of a similar age and background
• questionnaires about mood, sleep, pain and daily functioning
• checks that the test results are valid and reflect your true ability
• a feedback session and a written report with practical recommendations

Recommendations might cover graded hours, written task lists, a quieter workspace, or referral for cognitive rehabilitation or psychological treatment.

SIRA says clinical neuropsychologists assessing workers do not need SIRA approval. You still need a referral from your nominated treating doctor and insurer approval for the assessment to be paid under your claim.

Independent medical examinations

The insurer may ask you to attend an independent medical examination (IME). Under the new rules, employers and their representatives cannot attend your treatment or examination unless you ask them to. Our guide to what to expect at an IME covers the practical side.

طبی قانونی جائزے

Lawyers sometimes ask for an independent psychological or neuropsychological opinion in a dispute or a damages claim. In that role the assessor’s duty is to be impartial, not to take sides.

Tips if you are making a claim

• Tell your employer as soon as possible. Your employer must notify the insurer within 48 hours.
• See your doctor early. Your nominated treating doctor coordinates your care and referrals.
• Keep notes, emails and records of what happened and when.
• Ask the insurer to explain any decision in writing, and contact the IRO if you disagree.
• Get legal advice about your rights, especially if your injury was notified close to 1 July 2026.

If a claim is not accepted, your GP can still help you find treatment and support while you consider your options.

Invictus Health کیسے مدد کر سکتا ہے

We have assessment clinics in NSW and several other states. Our neuropsychologists provide اعصابی نفسیاتی جائزے, and we prepare independent medico-legal assessments for lawyers and insurers. Neuropsychology reports are reviewed by Dr Judy Tang OAM.

We also offer مشاورت by telehealth across Australia. For workers compensation funding, check the referral and insurer approval you need before booking. Fees are on our فیس کا صفحہ.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Speak with your doctor, insurer, the IRO or a lawyer about your situation. If you are in danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.