The NSW Personal Injury Commission has officially started operation, creating a new tribunal and “one-stop shop” for disputes related to the workers’ compensation and compulsory third party (CTP) insurance schemes.

“The last thing injured workers need is to be burdened with unnecessary paperwork and bureaucracy,” Attorney General Mark Speakman said today.

“The Personal Injury Commission will harmonise processes for thousands of claimants each year, saving them time and giving them better access to dispute resolution.”

The new body takes over functions previously provided by the Workers’ Compensation Commission and State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) Dispute Resolution Service, the Motor Accidents Claims Assessment (CARS) and the Motor Accidents Medical Assessment Service.

In another change effective today, the Independent Review Office will receive complaints about CTP insurers in the claims process from both injured road users who are claimants and their representatives.

SIRA will continue to undertake regulatory investigation and enforcement action in relation to complaints in both schemes.