10. PANSY WONG (National) Link to this
to the Minister for ACC
Does she have confidence that the Accident Compensation Corporation is responsible with taxpayers’ money?
Hon MARYAN STREET (Minister for ACC) Link to this
I am a lot more confident about that than I would be about National’s accident compensation plan, which would cost New Zealand taxpayers a whole lot more, as evidenced by the PricewaterhouseCoopers report and the leaked Merrill Lynch briefing, than the present scheme costs.
How does giving staff $250 each per year to spend through the activa card on activities like manicures and day spas promote a more active lifestyle and keep staff fit and well for work?
Hon MARYAN STREET Link to this
I presume it is a case of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) practising what it preaches, in that it is trying to prevent injury. I commend it for that. It is in fact an operational matter that is under the jurisdiction of the chief executive officer. But I suppose it is good to hear the National Party spokeswoman on accident compensation actually saying something about the portfolio at least once every 6 months, given that she was not able to—or not allowed to—say anything about National’s policy when it was released.
Madam SPEAKER
H V Ross Robertson Link to this
Can the Minister tell the House whether she has seen any conflicting reports on plans for the ACC?
Hon MARYAN STREET Link to this
I have seen a report from John Key saying that National might privatise the earners and motor vehicle accounts, and a report from Murray McCully soon afterwards saying National Party policy “doesn’t go there”. It is obvious that National will privatise those accounts eventually, following a discussion document process. But Mr Key forgot that he was not supposed to talk about privatising those accounts.
Does the Minister believe that the active and healthy lifestyle of ACC staff is promoted by spending $250 for each person per year on animal care, including pet grooming?
Hon MARYAN STREET Link to this
I have no idea what that has to do with the health and safety of ACC staff, but I am happy to look into that for the member.
Can the Minister assure the House that ACC staff are not spending $750,000 worth of taxpayers’ money on Botox, facelifts, and other cosmetic treatments that are services provided for through the activa cards, or does she think that this is an acceptable use of ACC funds?
Hon MARYAN STREET Link to this
In respect of the first part of the question, I think I can assure the House of that. But I will check that with the chair of the board, given the member’s obvious concern about the expenditure of ACC money.
Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? Yes, there is objection. Would members please indicate their objection loudly.
I seek the leave of the House to table the list of service providers through the ACC activa card under hair and beauty.
Peter BrownWill the Minister confirm that physiotherapists play a very significant role in the rehabilitation of accident victims and that taxpayers’ money spent on them is well spent; if she can confirm that, what will she and the ACC do to address the financial predicament that largely embraces physiotherapists?
Hon MARYAN STREET Link to this
I can confirm the worth, value, and contribution of physiotherapists to the ongoing rehabilitation of injured New Zealanders. I am currently addressing with physiotherapists the issue of their remuneration.