ACC scheme law change passes

The bill that will help “create a fairer social insurance scheme for New Zealanders” has been passed.

The Accident Compensation Amendment Bill addresses some gaps and technical issues in the ACC scheme to “help keep the system fair, transparent and accessible for all claimants.” It will extend ACC cover to the spouses or partners and dependents of New Zealand employees posted offshore. It will also remove the disadvantage for ACC claimants injured near to, or after retirement age. They will no longer have to choose between weekly compensation and New Zealand Superannuation or the Veterans’ Pension after receiving a year of both. They will now be able to receive up to 24 months of weekly compensation and New Zealand Superannuation at the same time.

“ACC is a world-leading scheme that has provided tremendous support to generations of New Zealanders,” Minister for ACC Iain Lee-Galloway said. “This change to the Act closes the gap in coverage for families of employees who are posted overseas in the course of their employment.

“This is an important change to make as we do not want to discourage people from representing New Zealand’s interests offshore if they feel that they cannot keep their families together without risk,” he noted.

Additionally, the bill will disestablish the historic Accident Compensation Appeal Authority, given the low number of appeals to this body. All new appeals under the repealed 1972 and 1982 Acts will be heard by the District Court.

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The minister detailed other amendments proposed under the bill. These include:

• Clarify the current transitional provisions to ensure that all claimants who are close to, or above, superannuation qualification age receive up to 24 months of weekly compensation;
• Allow surviving spouses and dependents to receive up to five years of weekly compensation, regardless of age;
• Move from an annual review to a biennial review of the Accident Compensation (Liability to Pay or Contribute to the Cost of Treatment) Regulations 2003;
• Automatically update the maximum and minimum liable earnings to the minimum wage and the Labour Cost Index respectively to improve the workability of biennial levy rounds.