[Courtroom scene]

ANDREW DADDO (PRESENTER): Hello, I’m Andrew Daddo and I’m here to help you understand how the Senior Master’s Office can help beneficiaries of the Court. If you’ve watched the other film, you will know that the Senior Master manages your money after it has been paid into Court.

There may be other agencies you need to deal with, and the Senior Master’s Office can help you understand what everyone does, and what you are entitled to.

If you have received compensation after a transport accident, or an accident at work, you may need to deal with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) or Centrelink.

Title: Transport Accident Commission (TAC)

[A female Client Liaison Officer called Donna talks to a beneficiary called Greg. They are sitting at a table in the kitchen of a home.]

DONNA (CLIENT LIAISON OFFICER): If you were involved in a vehicle or car accident after 1987, you probably received compensation. In almost every case, you receive a lifelong entitlement to accident-related medical treatment through TAC as part of your settlement.

This means that TAC will pay the reasonable costs of:

  • medical treatment
  • rehabilitation services
  • disability services
  • income assistance
  • travel
  • household support services

that you may need as a result of your injuries from a transport accident. This is the law under the Transport Accident Act 1986.

The TAC looks at each case individually, so please use this information as a guide only. You can always talk to your Trust Officer about your case or to your Client Liaison Officer when we come and visit.

GREG: My back still hurts from my accident, but I can’t afford to go and have it looked at. What should I do?

DONNA (CLIENT LIAISON OFFICER): If you need medical or treatment services as a result of your accident, then TAC will cover these amounts for you. They might also cover some rehabilitation treatment.

GREG: Really? But they already paid the compensation!

DONNA (CLIENT LIAISON OFFICER): This is not part of your settlement amount, but on top of what you receive through the court. So you don’t need to apply to the Senior Master to pay your medical bills, or for some amounts for therapy services like rehabilitation or occupational therapy from the accident.

GREG: So they’ll pay for all my medical bills?

DONNA (CLIENT LIAISON OFFICER): TAC will pay your medical bills as long as they relate to your accident. But you must always check with them before you start any new or different treatments, to check if it is covered by them.

GREG: What else do TAC pay for?

DONNA (CLIENT LIAISON OFFICER): TAC pay for a large number of medical, rehabilitation and disability services. This can include things like hydrotherapy, speech pathology, attendant care or seeing a chiropractor.

The TAC have a lot of information on their website (www.tac.vic.gov.au), and they outline each service that can be covered. Follow this path to find the information:

Home > Client Information > What the TAC pays for > Medical services.

TAC are also obligated to meet the costs of changing a home or a vehicle. If you think you need changes to your house or car, you can watch some of our other videos, Modifying a House and Buying a Car, or you can call TAC directly.

GREG: I didn’t realise that. But I haven’t used TAC for years—how do I get back in contact with them?

DONNA (CLIENT LIAISON OFFICER): You can just call the TAC on 1300 654 329 and speak to a Client Services Officer. They will have your details on file.

You will also have a Claims Manager assigned to your case. They make the decisions about your treatment and payment.

GREG: I’ve been knocked back by TAC before. What do I do if this happens?

DONNA (CLIENT LIAISON OFFICER): To start with, everyone has ‘appeal rights’, which means you can lodge an internal appeal on a decision. Your appeal might go to the TAC Medical Panel for review. If the internal appeal is rejected, you should get help from a Solicitor.

It’s always good to get advice before you appeal. There’s a number of people who can help you. You’ll find a list on our website: www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/fundsincourt

The Senior Master’s Office will work closely with TAC to make sure your needs are met. They can help assist you in dealing with the TAC.