29 June 2000
ACC ready for business
ACC is primed and ready to take over work place accident cover from July 1st says Accident Insurance Minister Dr Michael
Cullen.
As at 1 July the Accident Compensation Corporation will cover all workplace accidents for employers, employees and the
self-employed. Private insurers will no longer be able to offer workplace accident insurance.
Dr Cullen says ACC is ready for the change and is offering cheaper average premiums than private insurers and new
products for both employers and the self-employed.
"ACC is offering a range of new products and services including the updated accredited employer programme and premium
discounts in return for safer work environments.
"As well, the self-employed can now opt for a new service called CoverPlus Extra which provides more flexibility for
people who have fluctuating liable earnings such as farmers. It allows the self-employed to choose, with the agreement
of ACC, the level of weekly compensation they would receive if they had an accident."
Dr Cullen says he is expecting the transition from private insurers to a single state provider to go smoothly. "The
cover will be implemented automatically by ACC. People don’t need to do anything to initiate cover for workplace
accidents which occur after 1 July 2000."
Dr Cullen says he is committed to keeping the cost of premiums cheaper than the private sector offered and to making
sure ACC provides a first class service for everyone.
"We are not going back to the creaking, often frustrating machine of the past. ACC knows exactly what this Government
expects of it and we will be monitoring its performance very closely. New Zealanders deserve the best in meaningful
injury prevention on the job, effective and timely rehabilitation after an injury and fair compensation. ACC must
deliver value for money," said Dr Cullen.
Contact Jenny Michie [press secretary] 04 471 9808 or 025 270 9195