The Independent Review Office has released its 2023/2024 Annual Report.
This past financial year saw strong demand for IRO complaint services, with more than 8300 injured worker complaints to our Solutions Group. We also dealt with more than 800 complaints by persons injured in motor accidents, a new role we started in March 2021.
We delivered on our promise of a fast service, with 88 per cent of complaints finalised within 15 calendar days of receipt. And we were effective, with 76 per cent of workers compensation complaints solved by insurers taking action.
Our ILARS function also saw a strong need in 2023/2024 with more than 25,000 applications for grants of funding. For completed grants where there was a final outcome the worker improved their position in 95 per cent of matters, demonstrating the importance of independent legal assistance for workers to have their claims properly investigated and professionally represented.
2023/2024 also saw the continuation of Regional Seminars, held across six regional areas. Our Sydney Seminar was attended by 200 people in person and 400 people online.