What is a Medical Assessment Tribunal (MAT)?

MAT’s are set up to provide independent expert medical opinions about a worker’s injuries and any permanent impairment. The MAT is made up of a panel of specialist doctors. Doctors can apply to sit on the panel, but are only appointed if they can demonstrate a very high level of expertise and experience.

Referrals to the MAT are made when there are conflicting medical opinions about the nature of the injury or whether the injury was caused by the work.

Only WorkCover can make a referral to the MAT. WorkCover must advise you that the issue for determination is being referred to the MAT before sending any paperwork to the Regulator for processing.

The majority of appointments with the MAT are made six to eight weeks from the date of the referral.

The MAT sits at 347 Ann Street, Brisbane, close to Central train station.

A worker attending the MAT will usually be examined by three specialists, depending on the nature of the injury.

The Tribunal members are specialists in their relevant fields. Attempts are made to ensure the doctors on the MAT have had no prior association with the injured worker.

If you’re attending an appointment before the MAT and are unsure about what to expect, feel free to contact us for free no obligation advice.