11. DARIEN FENTON (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for ACC
Has she received any reports from medical professionals about potential changes to the accident compensation system?
Hon MARYAN STREET (Minister for ACC) Link to this
Yes. I have seen a report from an overwhelming number of medical professionals, including physiotherapists, podiatrists, and osteopaths, who describe patients’ experiences of National’s previous privatisation of accident compensation as a nightmare, a disaster, chaotic, and confusing. If the public does not want it and experts do not want it, then just who is National’s privatisation plan meant to benefit?
Has the Minister seen any research on which groups are likely to miss out on cover for their injuries, under a privatised scheme?
Hon MARYAN STREET Link to this
Yes. Australian research shows that those in the lower socio-economic groups are, unsurprisingly, more often uninsured or underinsured and do not pursue compensation through the legal system because they cannot afford it. John Key is not listening to the professionals or to patients about how privatisation will affect ordinary Kiwis. In fact, to paraphrase Barack Obama, it is not just because John Key does not care; it is because John Key does not get it.