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ACC - Source: ONE News -
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Protest marches are being held around New Zealand over ACC
changes which organisers claim could adversely affect sexual abuse
victims.
They say hundreds of people are expected to turn up to marches in
the four main centres.
The proposed changes would mean only those diagnosed with a mental illness as a result of sexual abuse would be eligible for counselling with accident compensation.
Organiser of the Wellington march, Felicity Perry, says the changes would see many victims lose access to an important lifeline.
Perry says in Wellington the average cost to see a private counsellor is $160 per session which will be impossible for many people.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Key is rejecting reports the government's considering an ACC excess levy requiring victims to pay the first $50 or $100 of their treatment.
Key says the ACC board considers a range of options but in the end the it makes recommendations to the government.
He says the concept of an excess levy isn't one of those on the table, or part of the legislation the government is proposing.
Key says more exploratory work needs to be done but opening up ACC to competition is a possibility.
