NIISQ Scheme Insights: Jan-Mar 2025
Overview
This quarter we focused on enhancing participant engagement, advancing technology and systems, reviewing industry practices, and fostering research partnerships, notably with the Hopkins Centre at Griffith University, to support individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries.
If you have any questions about this information, please contact niisqcommunications@niis.qld.gov.au.
The data contained below reflects participants who were injured in motor vehicle accidents. For more information on how we assist people injured in work-related accidents, view our page on Work related accidents.
Highlights
During January-March 2025, we:
- launched an Expression of Interest process for new members to join the NIISQ Participant Reference Group (PRG). This opportunity was open to all current participants, as well as parents of minor children.
- continued to release new NIISQ Direct functionality and onboarded additional participants as we finalise the pilot project and move towards launching to all current participants.
- commenced a review of attendant care costs, industry and interstate experience and internal practices.
- commenced a new research partnership with the Hopkins Centre at Griffith University. The Centre was established in 2017 and has a strong record in disability and rehabilitation research, aligning with NIISQ’s research priorities in topics relevant to people with brain and spinal cord injuries.
- finalised a new funding agreement with Griffith University for the suABI project which aims to co-design and evaluate a telehealth delivered intervention for individuals with substance use disorder and acquired brain injury.
- uplifted the NIISQ research system to enhance the NIISQ Research team’s ability to manage grants and sponsorships, and reduce manual handling.
On the horizon
In the next quarter, we will:
- launch NIISQ Direct, our new participant portal, to all participants and roll-out additional functionality including reimbursements.
- confirm the new PRG membership, reset the Terms of Reference and onboard new participants into the ways of working and purpose of the group.
- kick off discovery activities for a service provider digital platform with a view to build and pilot the platform with advisors and providers within the quarter.
- work with the Queensland Spinal Cord Injury Service through the NIISQ Research Program to develop better resources for clinicians across the state that support people with spinal cord injuries.
- explore the feasibility and viability of a NIISQ Research grant round to assist in the expansion of our Research Program to improve the lives of seriously injured people.
- draft and formalise the NIISQ Digital Transformation Strategy to ensure an aligned approach and digital roadmap.
Stay in the loop
To stay informed:
Explore our graphs below to learn more about NIISQ’s current participant cohort.
Tip: When viewing this report on a smaller screen, click the labels on our graphs to view them at a larger size.
Participants
Applications received
When the NIISQ Agency receives an application to join the scheme, we review the application to determine eligibility. Between January and March 2025, we received 39 applications, accepted 23 (on an interim basis), did not accept 13, and had 3 applicants pending decision.
Exited participants
People with eligible injuries enter the scheme as interim participants for up to two years and receive treatment, care and support funded by NIISQ to support their rehabilitation. During this period, we review the participant’s eligibility to remain in the scheme on a lifetime basis or to exit the scheme for various reasons.
Lifetime exited participants
For some participants, the treatment, care and support they have received has been effective in supporting a recovery that means they no longer meet the threshold for a serious personal injury that requires lifetime funding. After their lifetime eligibility assessment, 10 participants exited the scheme last quarter as a result of the treatment, care and support funded by NIISQ.
Lump sum exited participants
Participants who are eligible for lifetime funding might be eligible for a compulsory third party (CTP) insurance claim as well as NIISQ as part of their claim against the at-fault party. By taking a lump sum from both the CTP insurer and NIISQ, 2 participants exited the scheme last quarter.
Active participants
In terms of the current (active) participants in NIISQ, the number of lifetime participants continued to increase as expected. Lifetime participants now account for almost two-thirds of the total active participants.
Injury type
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be the main injury type for the NIISQ participant cohort, regardless of location or demographic differences.
Participant role in motor vehicle accident
The scheme supports a range of participants who were injured in various circumstances on Queensland roads.
Participant age and gender
Young males aged 16-30 continue to be the major cohort for NIISQ participation.
Participant age and injury type
The cohort of participants with traumatic brain injury is relatively younger in comparison to other injury types, such as spinal cord injury.
Geographical profile
While the majority of participants reside in the Greater Brisbane area, the Sunshine Coast is the next highest area by geographical profile.
Payments for treatment, care and support
Payments by service type
More than 50% of service payments made on behalf of participants are for attendant, care and support which reflects the care and respite that is necessary for people with serious personal injuries.
Legal services and claims
Participant with CTP insurance claims
NIISQ is a no-fault scheme, which means people seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents may be eligible for treatment, care and support regardless of whether they caused the accident. For participants who were not at fault, they may be eligible for a CTP insurance claim in addition to NIISQ. Just over 40% of NIISQ participants also had a CTP insurance claim.
Lump sum eligibility
Participants with a CTP insurance claim who are eligible to take a lump sum opted in the following way at conference:
- 95 participants have settled their CTP insurance claim.
- of those 95 participants, 74 accepted a lump sum from both the insurer and NIISQ.
- 21 participants opted to take the insurer lump sum but decided to stay in NIISQ.
Last updated: May 2025