WCNC and Comcare (Compensation)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) considered the matter of WCNC and Comcare (Compensation). The dispute concerned an application for compensation made by WCNC, an employee, under the *Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988* (Cth) (the Act). Comcare had denied liability for the claim.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether WCNC suffered an injury, as defined by section 4 of the Act, arising out of or in the course of employment. Specifically, the Tribunal had to assess whether the applicant's psychological condition was caused by reasonable administrative action taken in a reasonable manner in respect of their employment.

The Tribunal found that WCNC had experienced a psychological injury. However, it determined that this injury was a consequence of reasonable administrative action taken in a reasonable manner. The Tribunal applied the principles established in cases such as *Comcare v Martin* and *Comcare v A.B.*, which clarify that an injury caused by reasonable administrative action, even if it results in a psychological condition, is not compensable under the Act. The Tribunal concluded that the actions taken by WCNC's employer were reasonable and conducted in a reasonable manner, thereby excluding the claim from compensation.