Karaferis and Australian Postal Corporation (Compensation)

This matter concerned an application for review of a determination by the Australian Postal Corporation that it was not liable to pay compensation to the applicant under sections 24 or 27 of the *Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988* (Cth). The applicant sought compensation for psychological impairment arising from his accepted work-related conditions.

The Senior Member was required to determine whether the applicant suffered a psychological impairment as a result of his accepted conditions, whether that impairment was permanent, and the degree of that impairment in accordance with the relevant Guide. The applicant’s evidence indicated he suffered from depression, anxiety, and emotional stress, describing his daily life as a mental struggle and stating he could no longer look forward to anything. He also testified that his hand injuries would not return to normal and detailed various life impacts, including reduced social contact and loss of appetite.

The Senior Member accepted the applicant's evidence, noting that the respondent had conceded liability for a chronic adjustment disorder with depressed mood secondary to the aggravation of bilateral carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. The Senior Member found the applicant to be a truthful witness who was not prone to exaggeration, and accepted that he suffered from depression and anxiety. The Senior Member concluded that the applicant's psychological condition was permanent and assessed his whole person impairment at 10%, which translated to a score of 10.7 out of 15 for non-economic loss.

Consequently, the Senior Member set aside the reviewable decision of 3 June 2022 and substituted a decision in favour of the applicant, finding him entitled to permanent impairment compensation under sections 24 and 27 of the Act. The respondent was also ordered to pay the applicant's costs.