Hansen and Secretary, Department of Social Services (Social services second review)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal considered the appeal of Hansen against a decision by the Secretary, Department of Social Services, concerning eligibility for a disability support pension. The applicant sought to establish that their conditions, including fibromyalgia, a spinal condition, and mental health issues, qualified them for the pension.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the applicant's medical conditions, when assessed against the Impairment Tables, resulted in a rating of 20 points or more. Furthermore, the Tribunal had to assess whether the applicant had a continuing inability to work, taking into account any program of support undertaken.

The Senior Member, Bill Stefaniak AM RFD, affirmed the decision under review. The reasoning focused on the assessment of the applicant's conditions against the relevant Impairment Tables and the determination of their capacity to work. The Tribunal found that the applicant's conditions did not meet the threshold for a 20-point impairment rating, nor was there a demonstrated continuing inability to work.