New laws that began on January 1 are changing the way worker’s compensation is facilitated in New South Wales. One of the most important changes is the newly established Workers’ Compensation Commission to be led by Justice Terry Sheehan. The new commission will replace the Compensation Court as the tribunal for finalising disputed workers’ compensation cases. 

Other changes include the limiting of costs recoverable by parties and lawyers involved in workers’ compensation proceedings; a limit on future economic loss up to age 65; and a limit on the recovery of common law damages to claimants suffering 15% or more permanent disability.