Inaugural personal injury conference

The Personal Injury Education Foundation has recently launched its inaugural 'Personal Injury Management Conference' and 'Excellence Awards' program.

The foundation is a group of Australian and New Zealand compensation regulators, insurers and claims management organisations.

The conference, held in Sydney in October 2008, will involve international speakers from compensation schemes across Australia, New Zealand and the US.

They will present on a range of topics, including return to work, industry capability, medical management, scheme comparisons and service delivery to injured workers and motorists.

“The foundation is a vital ingredient in ensuring that Australia and New Zealand become centres of excellence in delivering health and return-to-work outcomes for those unfortunate enough to experience a personal injury,” said Greg Tweedly, chief executive of WorkSafe Victoria.

“WorkSafe is excited that this conference will see industry leaders tackle the most pressing issues and challenges facing all accident compensation schemes here and internationally.”

Paul O’Connor, CEO of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), said that the conference was an important opportunity for greater collaboration between Australia and New Zealand.

“This is a unique opportunity for people working in all aspects of personal injury to come together to look at how we can further improve what we do, so that we can support people injured in work and transport accidents to achieve the best possible recovery,” said O’Connor.

WorkSafe and TAC also welcomed the Foundation’s inaugural Excellence in Personal Injury Management Awards as part of the conference. The awards will celebrate achievements made across Australasia and acknowledge their importance to the community.

“The Awards will encourage the industry to lift the bar and to better deliver on the community’s expectations for personal injury support,” said Tweedly.