What happens if I miss a PIC conference, hearing or medical assessment?

PIC1 requires parties to be available and appropriately prepared for scheduled listings. Section 52(4) of the PIC Act permits an assessment or determination using conveniently available information even if a party does not cooperate or ceases to cooperate. Depending on fairness and the dispute, the Member may continue, give a new direction, decide on the papers, relist or consider whether the application has been abandoned or not prosecuted.

The Commission’s dismissal powers are serious but not automatic. Section 54 allows dismissal for abandonment, a frivolous or misconceived proceeding or another ground in the Rules. Rule 77 includes failure without reasonable excuse to comply with a direction and failure to prosecute with due despatch for motor accident applications. The surrounding history matters.

Ask for the event note, directions or order made in your absence. If the matter proceeded, identify any remaining right to make submissions or any review, reconsideration or judicial-review issue from the applicable legislation. Do not assume a general appeal exists; the available response depends on the decision type.

PIC6 requires a person who cannot attend a scheduled medical assessment to notify the President before the examination date. When a claimant does not attend, the Medical Assessor must report that failure to the President in writing within two working days. The assessor does not privately arrange a replacement with the claimant.

PIC6 states that failure to attend on two occasions without reasonable excuse may result in dismissal under section 54(a). The words “may” and “without a reasonable excuse” matter. The Commission considers the explanation and procedural history. A first missed appointment is still costly and can delay an assessment, so the claimant should respond immediately.

Provide a medical certificate, hospital attendance record, travel disruption evidence, screenshot of a failed connection or other proportionate proof. Explain why advance notice was impossible if the problem arose suddenly. Ask whether a new appointment, different assessment method or accessibility arrangement can be considered, but do not assume it will be granted.

State the PIC case number, event date and exact reason for non-attendance. Give a short chronology: when the notice was received, what preparation occurred, when the obstacle arose, attempts to contact the Commission and when notice was ultimately sent. Attach evidence and correct any outdated contact details that contributed to the problem.

If the failure involved technology, identify the device, error, time of attempted login and calls made to the Registry. If language or disability access contributed, request the specific interpreter, support, break or attendance method needed. This helps the Commission distinguish a genuine participation problem from inaction.

Continue complying with other directions. Missing one event does not suspend evidence cutoffs, insurer obligations or separate review periods. If the application has already been dismissed or determined, obtain the written decision and individual advice promptly rather than trying to reopen it through informal emails.