5.2.1 Compensation for Permanent Impairment

Section 24 of DRCA

Section 24(1) provides that a member who is injured in compensable circumstances is entitled to lump-sum compensation in respect of any permanent impairment which results from that injury:

s24(1) Where an injury to an employee results in a permanent impairment, the Commonwealth is liable to pay compensation to the employee in respect of the injury.

s24(5) The MRCC shall determine the degree of permanent impairment of the employee resulting from an injury under the provisions of the Approved Guide.

s24(6) The degree of permanent impairment shall be expressed as a percentage.

• Section 25 authorises an interim payment of compensation in certain circumstances.
• The amount of compensation is determined by reference to Division 1 of the DRCA PI Guide.

Compensation for permanent impairment may not be payable in certain circumstances

• the degree of permanent impairment is less than 10% (s24(7)), except in relation to loss of fingers, toes, taste and smell (s24(8)), or
• the impairment became permanent before the commencement of the DRCA on 1 December 1988 (complex transitional provisions apply).  Please see Chapter 7 Assessments under the 1971 and 1930 Acts

Historical s24 rates

For historical s24 rates see Historical Statutory Rates under the SRCA 1988