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ACC - Source: ONE News -
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National doesn't have the numbers to pass new laws to increase ACC levies and slash services so it has returned to talks with key coalition allies.
Prime Minister John Key admits it is a work in progress.
"We are a minority government, it's the way it is, you have to negotiate with your partners."
Opposition leader Phil Goff has called the situation "an absolute shambles".
It's a messy situation because Act and the Maori Party are withholding their support for the changes to ACC as they negotiate for what they want.
Act wants more "choice" of providers in return for its votes which critics will call privatisation of ACC.
It is National's policy to investigate opening up the part of the ACC fund that covers work-related personal injuries to private providers.
Lockwood Smith was vague on the issue earlier this week.
"We have set no timetable yet as to when that will occur but it's not a priority.
But Key seems to be warming to the idea as Act's support becomes more vital.
"Its a valid argument to look at it. We've always argued competition can be a good thing...We'd like to have a look at that and the structure...we haven't considered that yet, let's see how we go," Key says.
Goff claims that Hide's plan is actually privatisation of the whole ACC scheme.
However, at this stage most New Zealanders seem more concerned about steep increases for vehicle registrations and paying more for their treatment than the structure of ACC itself.
What the government wants
Under the government's proposed changes, Employers' ACC levies will go up by 16 cents in every $100 to $1.47.
Levies taken directly from workers' pay packets will rise by 67 cents in every $100 to $2.17.
Car registrations will rise while motorbike registrations which will go up by almost $500 to $745 for bikes over 600cc, and by less for less powerful machines.
Entitlements will be reduced for injured casual and part-time workers, it will be harder to qualify for funding for hearing aids and there will be part charges for certain treatment.
Funding will be tightened for cars and house modifications for people with disabilities and families of suicide victims will no longer get ACC compensation.
What do you think about the proposed changes? Have your say on the message board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentmouthguard said on 2009-12-10 @ 14:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
The unfair bit is this: the ACC forms for accident claims have a wee box that you fill in about how it happened. If you mention a motorbike, then that statistic goes on.This includes farm bikes that are responsible for a lot of injury claims, but are responsible for no ACC levies as they are not registered. That is why you are being screwed roadbikers. Blame the farmers, levy them, it is only fair.
Pucky said on 2009-12-10 @ 14:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm sorry that Tiggy obvously doesn't understand bikers. I myself live in a family of bikers. All of whom are resposible, sensible riders. Why does this person believe if a car (or truck) hits US it is us who should pay? Does tiggy also believe if they get hit by a larger vehicle then they should pay for there own treatment? We already pay higher registration fees. Bikes also produce less greenhouse gases surely this should be taken into account.
tiggy said on 2009-12-04 @ 13:22 NZDT: Report abusive post
Bikers should pay up! If you choose to ride a bike and your involved in an accident you will suffer a more serious injury, doesnt matter if its your fault or not. Choose to ride..choose to pay!!
diogenes said on 2009-12-03 @ 00:51 NZDT: Report abusive post
I also am thoroughly disgusted with these antics and I am not a biker although have been and was contemplating selling our older second car and buying a new 250. Looks like that ain't now going to happen! Using cc rating as any sort of a yardstick anyway is a joke! I've known of souped up 125s blowing the pants off 250 cruisers. Somehow cc rating is being equated with speed. I'm with bikers all the way in opposing this iniquitous hike in charges! And .. last time I'll be voting National!
wasteoftime said on 2009-12-01 @ 21:07 NZDT: Report abusive post
Agree it is totally unfair, but we riders don't help ourselves by blaming others. Fact is a third of bike crashes only involve the bike, of the rest half are the riders fault and half the other drivers. So at least 2/3 are the riders fault, and you could say that if you get hit by a car you generally deserve it for not riding defensively. Sometimes we shouldn't shout too loudly - just give it the berries when nobody is watching.