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

This matter concerned an application for a disability support pension by the applicant, Mr Troendle, against a decision of the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. The dispute centred on whether the applicant qualified for the pension, specifically in relation to his diabetes and a lower limb condition. The review was heard by Senior Member Bill Stefaniak AM RFD.

The primary legal issues before the Tribunal were whether the applicant's medical conditions, when assessed against the Impairment Tables, resulted in an impairment rating of 20 points or more, and whether he had a continuing inability to work. These assessments are critical for establishing eligibility for a disability support pension.

The Tribunal affirmed the decision under review. While the specific reasoning regarding the Impairment Tables and the inability to work is not detailed in the provided extract, the outcome indicates that the applicant did not meet the required threshold for the disability support pension based on the evidence presented and the applicable legal criteria. The Senior Member noted that the applicant might benefit from applying for Newstart allowance and participating in a support program, suggesting a potential pathway for financial assistance and vocational support.