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What is the Medical Assessment Tribunal?

  • Writer: Evan Sarinas
    Evan Sarinas
  • May 19
  • 2 min read

The Medical Assessment Tribunal is an independent panel of specialist doctors established under Queensland workers’ compensation legislation to make final, binding medical decisions about work‑related injuries and impairments.


It operates separately from WorkCover Queensland and self‑insurers and is administered by Workers’ Compensation Regulatory Services (WCRS) within the Office of Industrial Relations.


When does a matter go to the MAT?


A worker cannot self‑refer. Only the insurer (WorkCover Queensland or a self‑insurer) can refer a claim to the MAT.


Common referral triggers include:


  • Conflicting medical opinions about the worker’s injury or condition

  • Whether the worker has an ongoing incapacity for work

  • Disputes about the degree of permanent impairment

  • Mandatory assessment of psychiatric impairment (only the MAT can determine DPI for psychological injuries)


What issues can the MAT decide?


Under the Act, the MAT may determine matters including:


  • Whether the injury is caused by employment (where medical causation is disputed)

  • Whether the worker has a continuing incapacity for work

  • The degree of permanent impairment (DPI) for physical injuries

  • The degree of permanent impairment for psychiatric injuries (exclusive MAT jurisdiction)

  • Certain dependency and disfigurement assessments


Importantly, the MAT decides medical questions only. It does not determine legal liability, negligence, or quantum of common law damages.


How the Tribunal is constituted


  • Usually 3 specialist doctors (sometimes 5)

  • Doctors are selected based on the injury type (e.g. orthopaedic surgeons, psychiatrists, neurologists)

  • Hearings may be in‑person (typically Brisbane) or by video conference

  • The employer and insurer do not attend the Tribunal hearing.


A worker may attend with:


  • A legal representative (who can make submissions)

  • A support person (who cannot speak on their behalf)


What happens at the MAT hearing?


  • The panel reviews the medical file and any submissions provided in advance

  • The worker is questioned about current symptoms and functional impact

  • For physical injuries, a clinical examination may occur

  • The focus is typically on current capacity and impairment, not fault or blame.


Are MAT decisions final?


Yes.

MAT decisions are:


  • Final and binding

  • Not reviewable or appealable

  • Binding on the worker, insurer, and the Regulator


This is why MAT referrals are often pivotal in a claim—particularly where:

  • Permanent impairment thresholds affect lump sum entitlements

  • Ongoing statutory benefits are in dispute

  • A common law pathway depends on DPI outcomes


Practical significance for WorkCover claims


In practice, the MAT:


  • Acts as the ultimate medical umpire

  • Can determine whether weekly payments continue or cease

  • Fixes impairment for lump sum compensation

  • Can indirectly shape common law prospects by resolving medical disputes

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