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

This matter concerned an appeal by Mr Robinson against a decision of the Secretary of the Department of Social Services regarding his eligibility for a disability support pension. The dispute centred on whether Mr Robinson's lower spine fusion and associated conditions were fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised, and whether these conditions attracted the requisite 20 points under the relevant Impairment Tables for the pension. The review was conducted by Deputy President K Bean P.

The primary legal issue before the Deputy President was to determine whether Mr Robinson's medical conditions met the criteria for a disability support pension, specifically concerning the assessment of his lower spine fusion and related impairments against the established Impairment Tables. This involved considering whether the conditions were sufficiently diagnosed, treated, and stabilised to warrant the pension.

The Deputy President noted evidence indicating a deterioration in Mr Robinson's condition in mid-2016. Crucially, the Deputy President observed that Mr Robinson subsequently qualified for and was currently in receipt of a disability support pension. Accordingly, the decision under review was affirmed.