I’m a Commonwealth Worker… Can I Be Compensated for a Psychological Injury?

If you’re a Commonwealth employee experiencing a psychological injury, you may be wondering whether you’re entitled to compensation through Comcare. 

The short answer is yes – in some circumstances. 

But psychological injury claims under Comcare are often more complex than physical injury claims. 

In this short video, we explain the basics. Below, we share in more detail what you need to know. 

What is a psychological injury under Comcare? 

A psychological injury (sometimes called a mental health injury) can include conditions such as: 

• Anxiety  

• Depression  

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  

• Adjustment disorders  

• Other stress-related conditions. 

To be compensable under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA), your condition must be linked to your employment. 

 When can you make a Comcare claim? 

To be eligible for compensation, you generally need to show that your employment significantly contributed to your psychological condition. 

This might include situations such as: 

• Exposure to traumatic events  

• High-pressure or high-risk roles  

• Workplace conflict or bullying  

• Cumulative stress over time.  

However, not every workplace stress claim will be accepted. 

The “reasonable administrative action” hurdle 

One of the biggest challenges in psychological injury claims under Comcare is something called “reasonable administrative action”. 

This means that if your condition was caused by reasonable management action, your claim may be denied. 

Examples can include: 

• Performance management  

• Disciplinary action  

• Work appraisals  

• Changes to duties or role.  

Even if these situations feel stressful or unfair, the key legal question is whether the action was reasonable. 

This can often be where claims become complicated. 

Evidence is critical 

As with all Comcare claims, medical evidence and supporting documentation are essential. 

This can include: 

• GP and psychologist reports  

• Specialist opinions  

• Workplace incident reports  

• Statements from colleagues or supervisors.  

Clear evidence linking your condition to your employment – as well as addressing the “reasonable administrative action” issue – can make a significant difference to the outcome.  

Why many psychological injury claims are rejected 

Psychological injury claims are more likely to be disputed or denied than physical injury claims. 

Common reasons include: 

• Insufficient medical evidence  

• Difficulty proving the work-related connection  

• Claims falling within “reasonable administrative action”  

• Delays in reporting or seeking treatment. 

This is why getting the right advice early can be so important. 

 How we can help 

At TGB Lawyers, we regularly assist Commonwealth employees to: 

• Challenge rejected Comcare claims  

• Dispute decisions about medical treatment  

• Reinstate incapacity payments  

• Pursue permanent impairment entitlements.  

We understand how the system works and how to build the evidence needed to support your claim. 

At TGB Lawyers, our team regularly assists clients with Comcare claims, appeals, and compensation entitlements under the SRCA. 

If you have questions about your claim, we offer a free initial discussion to help guide you through the process and explain your options. 

Contact Tim White at TGB Lawyers today, or complete our online enquiry form and we’ll be in touch soon.