Background

3.This Operational Advice was prompted by a recent SA Supreme Court case, in which the Chiropractors' Association of Australia (SA) Ltd challenged the need for certification from a legally qualified medical practitioner. Legal advice was obtained from the Australian Government Solicitor.

4.Paragraph 54(2)(b) of the Act requires, in part, that a claim for compensation must be accompanied by a certificate by a legally qualified medical practitioner except where the claim is for compensation for medical expenses (section 16).