Latest information

In this update, I provide information on recent leadership arrangements, an overview of the new IRO website, and clarification on the application of the ILARS Funding Criteria to disbursements. I hope you find these updates helpful and encourage you to share them with relevant members of your practice. SIRA Appointment and acting IRO Arrangements Ms […]

We have recently reviewed and developed new policies to ensure that we continue to deliver excellence in service to those who are injured at work or in a motor vehicle crash in NSW. We adopt a person-centred and trauma-informed approach and make it easy to raise issues with us.   Our policies are short, simple to understand and it’s easier than ever […]

Thank you for your continued commitment and support as we work together to implement the recent Workers Compensation reforms.  Almost one month after the introduction of the ILARS Amending Instrument, several common questions and themes have emerged. This alert provides clarification on what is required when submitting an ILARS funding application under the new criteria […]

From 1 July 2026, all applications for, and extensions of, grant funding under the Independent Legal and Assistance Service (ILARS) program will be assessed under new funding criteria. These changes follow amendments to the Personal Injury Commission Act 2020 and supporting updates to the Personal Injury Commission Regulation 2020, expected to be gazetted shortly.  The new legislation introduces a merit test that will apply to […]

Changes to ILARS  The recent amendments to the Workers Compensation Act 1987 have now commenced as part of the NSW Government’s workers compensation reforms.  These changes directly impact how the Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service (ILARS) operates.  What has changed  The reforms have:  What This Means for ILARS  ILARS will continue to:  However, the types of […]

From 9 June 2026 the Minister for Customer Servies and Digital Government has appointed Ms Jody Grima, as Independent Review Officer (IRO). Ms Grima has most recently held the role of Chief People Officer in the Department of Customer Services. The Independent Review Officer, Ms Samantha Taylor, will be acting Chief Executive Officer of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority from 9 June until the appointment of […]

Updates to Workers Compensation Act 1987 (the Act) are due to come into effect in the coming weeks as part of the NSW Government’s Workers Compensation Reform. This includes new regulations to support the amendments to the Personal Injury Commission Act 2020 and the Workers Compensation legislation.    As part of these reforms, the purpose and funding criteria for […]

As we approach the end of 2025, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support and collaboration throughout the year. Your partnership has been invaluable, and we wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and restful start to 2026. Solutions ServicesFrom 3pm on 24 December 2025 to 2 January 2026, […]

The Independent Review Office has published the 2024/2025 Annual Report. The Annual Report describes our operational performance for the year, progress against the IRO 2023-25 Direction, and our priorities for the future. This past year saw record demand for IRO services, with more than 17,000 enquires and complaints to our Solutions Group. This included over 10,000 workers […]