Review of the Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension
As part of the 2009-10 Better and Fairer Assessments Budget measure, the Australian Government reviewed the Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension.
An Advisory Committee was established to oversee the review and provided expert advice on the revised Impairment Tables. The Advisory Committee found the Impairment Tables were no longer consistent with contemporary medical and rehabilitation practice and recommended revised Impairment Tables.
The revised Impairment Tables have a greater focus on functional ability, concentrating on what a person is able to do rather than what they cannot do and are consistent with contemporary medical and rehabilitation practice.
The current impairment tables are being removed from the Social Security Act 1991. The revised Tables are now contained in a legislative instrument which will allow the Tables to be updated regularly in response to developments in medical and rehabilitation practice.
The revised Impairment Tables will apply to all new applicants for DSP and any existing DSP recipients selected for medical review from 1 January 2012.
More information
- Frequently Asked Questions - Revised Impairment Tables for Disability Support Pension (DSP) – 1 January 2012
- Social Security (Tables for the Assessment of Work-related Impairment for Disability Support Pension) Determination 2011
- Advisory Committee final report to Government
- Report from Taylor Fry Pty Ltd on the Analysis of the Testing of the draft Impairment Tables
- The Impairment tables – Schedule 1B to the Social Security Act 1991
- Joint media release by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP and the Hon Bill Shorten MP : Updated Impairment Tables for Disability Support Pensioners
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