In this episode of P.I. Case Note, personal injury lawyer Michelle Wright examines the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission’s decision in Queensland Alumina Limited v Workers’ Compensation Regulator [2025] QIRC 182, delivered on 13 December 2025 by Commissioner Hartigan. This case provides essential guidance on proving the significant contributing factor workers’ compensation requirement under section 32 of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld), particularly regarding meniscal tears and the admissibility of hearsay evidence in QIRC proceedings.
The Commission’s detailed analysis demonstrates how workers can establish that employment was a significant contributing factor workers compensation claims, even without direct witness evidence of the injury occurring. Commissioner Hartigan found Mr. Johnston’s account credible, noting his evidence was “not embellished” and he made “appropriate concessions” during cross-examination. Despite the employer’s vigorous challenge based on medical expert opinions that bucket-handle tears typically result from high-energy impacts, the Commission accepted that Mr. Johnston could have suffered a vertical tear during his physically demanding tank maintenance work, which then displaced while getting into bed. This decision reinforces that the QIRC is not bound by strict evidence rules and can accept hearsay evidence it considers reliable and relevant, particularly when corroborated by contemporaneous observations and medical records.
Listen for Michelle Wright’s comprehensive analysis of this important decision on the significant contributing factor workers compensation requirements. If you’ve suffered a work accident and are struggling to prove your employment was a significant contributing factor to your injury, the experienced team at accident legal understands these complex causation issues. With over 30 years of experience and offices throughout Queensland, our specialist workers’ compensation lawyers know how to build compelling evidence even when direct witnesses are unavailable. Contact us for a free consultation on (07) 3740 0200—we’ll help establish the crucial link between your work duties and your injury.
