Question:
Hi TRC,

Thank you for the opportunity to review the tender documentation. We would appreciate clarification on the following points:

1-Clinical Governance and Delivery Model

Our service delivery model utilises a national network of qualified nurses and allied health professionals to conduct assessments within a robust clinical governance framework. This framework is overseen by the relevant clinical teams and medical practitioners, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance.

Given that we currently deliver a significant volume of legislative and occupational health assessments for more than 4000 clients across Australia under this model, would TRC be comfortable with us proceeding using this approach for the services outlined in this tender?

2-Auditory Testing Requirements

The tender documentation references "Auditory Testing." Could you please clarify whether this refers to:

Standard hearing assessments; or

Audiometric surveillance undertaken in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4 and Regulation 58 requirements?

Further clarification would assist us in accurately scoping the service requirements.

3-Occupational Physician Consultations

Our model incorporates a network of medical practitioners, including Occupational Physicians, who can provide consultations via telehealth where clinically appropriate. All assessments remain fully overseen by the relevant healthcare professional.

Given the potential challenges associated with sourcing face-to-face Occupational Physician appointments in Toowoomba, would TRC be amenable to a telehealth-based Occupational Physician consultation model where clinically appropriate?

4-Follow-Up Assessments

We note the reference to "Follow-Up Assessments" within the tender documentation. Could you please provide further detail regarding the expected scope and content of these assessments, including any specific requirements or outcomes that TRC would expect to be addressed?

Thank you for your assistance. We look forward to your response.

Answered on 03/Jul/2026 09:31 AM:


1-Clinical Governance and Delivery Model

Our service delivery model utilises a national network of qualified nurses and allied health professionals to conduct assessments within a robust clinical governance framework. This framework is overseen by the relevant clinical teams and medical practitioners, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance. Given that we currently deliver a significant volume of legislative and occupational health assessments for more than 4000 clients across Australia under this model, would TRC be comfortable with us proceeding using this approach for the services outlined in this tender?

A: TRC acknowledges that many national occupational health providers utilise a multidisciplinary service model of registered nurses, allied health professionals, medical practitioners and specialist physicians operating under a defined clinical governance framework.

TRC would be comfortable with the use of this model provided that:

• All assessments are conducted by appropriately qualified and credentialed practitioners operating within their scope of practice.

• Medical opinions, fitness-for-work determinations, and recommendations provided to Council are reviewed and authorised by a suitably qualified medical practitioner and/or physician as appropriate to the complexity of the assessment.

• The provider can demonstrate effective clinical governance, quality assurance, escalation pathways, and oversight arrangements.


2-Auditory Testing Requirements

The tender documentation references "Auditory Testing." Could you please clarify whether this refers to: Standard hearing assessments; or Audiometric surveillance undertaken in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4 and Regulation 58 requirements? Further clarification would assist us in accurately scoping the service requirements.

A: As per Request of Offer and Specifications, Tenderers should allow for both:

1. Routine pre-employment auditory assessment; and

2. Formal audiometric health monitoring services for existing workers every 2 years as per legislation or as requested by Council


3-Occupational Physician Consultations

Our model incorporates a network of medical practitioners, including Occupational Physicians, who can provide consultations via telehealth where clinically appropriate. All assessments remain fully overseen by the relevant healthcare professional. Given the potential challenges associated with sourcing face-to-face Occupational Physician appointments in Toowoomba, would TRC be amenable to a telehealth-based Occupational Physician consultation model where clinically appropriate?

A: Council's preference is that the provider adopts a risk-based approach whereby:

• Telehealth may be utilised for case review, medical opinion, review of documentation, follow-up consultations and specialist advice where a physical examination is not required.

• Face-to-face assessments remain available where clinically indicated, particularly where:

o direct physical examination is necessary;

o functional capacity requires assessment;

o complex fitness-for-work determinations are being made; or

o the Occupational Physician considers an in-person assessment necessary.

The provider should clearly identify within its proposal how telehealth services are governed, how clinical quality is maintained, and what criteria are applied in determining when an in-person consultation is required.


4-Follow-Up Assessments

We note the reference to "Follow-Up Assessments" within the tender documentation. Could you please provide further detail regarding the expected scope and content of these assessments, including any specific requirements or outcomes that TRC would expect to be addressed?

A: The reference to follow-up assessments is intended to cover any additional medical review, investigation or specialist assessment required to determine a candidate's or employee's fitness for work when the initial assessment is unable to provide sufficient evidence to support a fitness determination.

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Additional clinical review by a medical practitioner or physician.

• Specialist medical opinions.

• Functional Capacity Evaluations.

• Drug and alcohol assessment and Medical Review Officer review