In this episode of P.I. Case Note, personal injury lawyer Michelle Wright examines the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission’s decision in Erez v Workers’ Compensation Regulator [2025] QIRC 246, which addresses the challenges of pursuing a workers compensation appeal without lawyer representation when the opposing party seeks legal representation. The case involved Miss Erez, who appealed the rejection of her psychiatric injury claim on reasonable management action grounds, and who objected to the Commission granting the Regulator leave to be legally represented under section 552B of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld).
The Commission’s analysis reveals why proceeding with a workers compensation appeal without lawyer representation becomes significantly more difficult when facing legally represented opponents. Miss Erez’s objection focused solely on the process by which leave was granted—via email exchange over two days in April 2025—rather than raising substantive concerns about the fairness of legal representation itself. The Regulator successfully argued that the appeal involved complex questions of fact and law requiring investigation of complex factual and medical evidence, and that legal representation would assist the Commission through structured submissions applying relevant legislation to the factual matrix. Critically, the Commission accepted that fairness between parties can be maintained through proper case management and courtroom management, noting that counsel’s paramount duties to the court and administration of justice safeguard unrepresented parties. The Commission also emphasised that the Regulator’s status as a model litigant bound by Model Litigant Principles provided additional protection against unfairness, and noted that Miss Erez was not prevented from obtaining her own legal representation.
Listen below for Michelle Wright’s comprehensive analysis of this decision and why pursuing a workers compensation appeal without lawyer representation is so challenging. If you’re facing a workers’ compensation appeal and considering self-representation, the experienced team at accident legal understands the significant disadvantages you’ll face against legally represented opponents. As Queensland’s trusted personal injury lawyers, we know how to navigate complex factual and medical evidence, narrow the issues in dispute, and ensure your case is properly presented to maximise your chances of success. Contact us for a free consultation on (07) 3740 0200—don’t face legally represented government regulators alone when your compensation and livelihood are at stake.
