If you disagree with a decision
If you have received written notice advising of a decision about your entitlement to MAC Scheme benefits, that you do not agree with, here are the options and steps to follow:
As the first step, you can request an internal review which often resolves any issues quickly.
An internal review request must be made within 30 days of being advised of the original decision.
An internal review is undertaken independently by a senior TIO MAC specialist who has not been involved in the original decision or management of your claim.
All available information will be considered, as well as any new information provided by you, if you would like this to be considered.
There is no cost for an internal review and TIO MAC aims to complete the review within 21 days.
An internal review is optional. If you prefer you can ask for a designated person review.
To request an internal review, please complete the internal review form and:
- email it to macreview@tiofi.com.au; or
- mail to GPO Box 770 Darwin NT 0801
Legislated timeframes
A request for an internal review does not extend the legislated timeframes for a designated person review.
If, after an internal review, you wish to request a designated person review, the request must be made within 90 calendar days of receipt of the original decision irrespective of the internal review process.
Step 2
– Designated person review
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of an internal review or you do not want an internal review, you can apply for a designated person review. This is a legislated review process under the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Act 1979 that has specific time limits.
A request for a designated person review must be received within 90 calendar days of when you received the original notice of decision or from the date when you became aware of the decision.
A designated person is a qualified person who has been appointed by the Northern Territory Treasurer to conduct an independent review of MAC Scheme benefits decisions. The designated person will not have been involved in the original decision or the management of your claim.
There is no cost for a designated person review, which will be completed within 30 business days. If the designated person asks you to provide additional information, the time period may be extended to allow for this.
The outcome of a designated person review may be to change, overturn or uphold the original decision.
To request a designated person review please complete the designated person review form and return it by:
- email to macreview@tiofi.com.au; or
- mail to GPO Box 770 Darwin NT 0801
Step 3
– Appeal to the Tribunal
If you are unsatisfied with the decision made by the designated person review, you may lodge an appeal to the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Appeal Tribunal where the matter will be considered by a Supreme Court Judge under section 28 of the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Act 1979.
An appeal to the Tribunal is a final review of the claim’s decision and must be made within 28 calendar days from when you receive the designated person’s decision. Appeals lodged outside this timeframe may not be accepted.
There may be legal costs associated with Tribunal appeal and you should consider seeking legal advice on both the process and potential costs.
The Northern Territory Law Society will be able to provide you with the names of legal practitioners who are qualified to provide legal advice on your MAC claim. They can be contacted on 08 8982 5104.
For more information about the Tribunal, the necessary forms and procedures to follow please see
https://supremecourt.nt.gov.au/lawyers#Motor-Accident-(Compensation)-Appeal-Tribunal
Related information
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