Government Finally Delivers on ACC Double Charging
Tuesday 20th Mar 2001 Ken Shirley Media Release -- Economy
ACT Deputy Leader Hon Ken Shirley welcomed today’s announcement that the Government would act on ACC double charging.
“The change comes far too late, but I am glad that it has finally been made.
“Tens of millions of dollars may have been collected by ACC from employers or self-employed people in business from late
1979 who changed their ‘legal personality’ or business structure prior to June 30 1999. These businesses should have
received a premium refund or credit as a result of this change.
“The ACC monopoly has effectively demanded a double payment for the same service. ACC has been arrogant in refusing to
reimburse businesses up to now.
“The Government should have forced ACC to acknowledge the arrogance of its own monopoly and act sooner. Instead, it has
taken months of lobbying from opposition members to embarrass the Government into an about-face.
“No private sector company would have dared to charge a client twice for the same service, and only a statutory monopoly
would arrogantly refuse to address the injustice.
“The Government took too long to fix this injustice and overrule ACC. Today’s move is welcomed, but coming so late, it
will be of little comfort to all of the small business owners who lost out,” concluded Ken Shirley.
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.