ACC Ignores Own Legislation in Rape Case

16 February 2006

ACC Ignores Own Legislation in Rape Case

A woman is raped, her attacker pleads guilty and yet she has to wait for the assistance she is entitled to because ACC doesn't seem to understand its own legislation. "This woman has been to hell and back and the last thing she needs is to fight another battle." says an Acclaim Otago spokesperson.

She goes on to say, " The comments of ACC's spokesman Angus Barclay in relation to the recent Napier rape case are quite simply wrong. Contrary to his assertion, ACC does not need an agreed rehabilitation plan before it is liable to provide treatment or other rehabilitation."

Section 76 (3) of the current legislation makes this perfectly clear.

(3) To avoid doubt, subsections (1) and (2) do not prevent the provision of treatment before an individual rehabilitation plan is agreed.

Claimants suggest Ruth Dyson, Minister for ACC, needs to take charge of her agency and direct it to follow the governing legislation. They also renew their call for an inquiry into case management practices as requested previously in a petition last year.

ENDS

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