(a)
accepting or denying liability (wholly or in part), and
(b) (to the extent,
if any, that the defendant does not accept liability) serving on the claimant
a defence to the claim setting out such particulars of the defence and
evidence that the defendant will rely on to defend the claim as the
Commission rules may require.
Note : A defence can be filed after 28 days but
after 28 days the claimant can refer the claim to mediation under Division 4.
Note : If the defendant fails to respond within 42 days,
the defendant is prevented from filing a defence (see section 318) and the
claimant can proceed to obtain summary judgment on the question of liability.
If the defendant responds to the pre-filing statement within 42 days, the
matter is required to proceed to mediation under Division 4 before court
proceedings can be commenced.