Noronha and Comcare (Compensation)

This matter concerned an application before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal concerning compensation. The applicant, Ms Noronha, had failed to attend a medical examination required by Comcare. The central dispute was whether Ms Noronha possessed a "reasonable excuse" for her non-attendance, as contemplated by subsection 57(2) of the *Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988* (Cth).

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the reasons provided by Ms Noronha for not attending the scheduled medical examination constituted a "reasonable excuse" under the Act. This involved an assessment of the applicant's circumstances and the adequacy of her justification for failing to comply with the requirement to attend the examination.

The Tribunal found that the reasons advanced by Ms Noronha did not amount to a reasonable excuse for her non-attendance at the medical appointment. The Deputy President provided an oral decision to the applicant, noting the proximity of the appointment and the importance of her attendance, before issuing this written decision. The Tribunal concluded that Ms Noronha did not have a reasonable excuse pursuant to s 57(2) of the Act for failing to attend her appointment with Dr Ventura on 1 July 2021.