Accident Compensation Ombudsman Urgently Needed at ACC
Barbara Stewart
Spokesperson for ACC
24 JULY 2015
Accident Compensation Ombudsman Urgently Needed at
ACC
New Zealand First is calling for the establishment of an Accident Compensation Ombudsman to stop New Zealanders being unfairly disadvantaged when challenging ACC decisions.
“A report released by Acclaim Otago
highlighted serious barriers to New Zealanders when
challenging ACC decisions and this urgently needs to
change,” says Barbara Stewart, New Zealand First ACC
Spokesperson.
“My office is always inundated with
complaints from Kiwis frustrated at the lack of transparency
from ACC and its review process. There is an overwhelming
feeling that they have been let down by a biased system
designed only to benefit the government’s bottom line.
“New Zealand First supports the appointment of an Accident Compensation Ombudsman with similar power as the Health and Disability Commissioner, to make independent judgements regarding ACC decisions and ensure a fair and transparent review system.
“The ACC Minister needs to make drastic changes so the rights of New Zealanders are upheld throughout the ACC appeals process. An Accident Compensation Ombudsman would achieve this aim,” says Mrs Stewart.
ENDS