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

The applicant, Mr. White, sought a review of a decision by the Secretary of the Department of Social Services concerning his eligibility for a disability support pension. The dispute centred on whether Mr. White's various medical conditions qualified him for the pension under the relevant legislative framework. The matter was heard by Senior Member Bill Stefaniak AM RFD of the Tribunal.

The legal issues before the Tribunal were whether Mr. White's impairments, specifically his mental health issues, spinal condition, and hand condition, were fully diagnosed, fully treated, and fully stabilised. Furthermore, the Tribunal had to determine if these impairments attracted a minimum of 20 points or more on the Impairment Tables as required for a disability support pension.

The Tribunal considered the applicant's history of employment and the onset of his health issues, which led him to cease working in 2015. While acknowledging the applicant's diagnosed conditions, including depression, anxiety, a spinal condition, and hand injuries, the Tribunal found that the evidence presented did not satisfy the criteria for a disability support pension. Specifically, the Tribunal noted that for any fresh application, updated reports from relevant health professionals, such as psychiatrists or clinical psychologists for mental health conditions, and the applicant's GP for other physical impairments, were required. These reports needed to address the specific descriptors in the Impairment Tables and assign points for each condition. As the evidence did not meet these requirements, the decision under review was affirmed.