11 September 2001 Media Statement
Third reading for Injury Prevention Bill
The Government's injury prevention Rehabilitation and Compensation Bill was given its third reading in the House today.
ACC Minister, Lianne Dalziel, said the Bill restores the social contract that underpinned the original ACC scheme.
"The legislation prioritises injury prevention which can only really occur if we develop a culture of safety in the
home, workplace and community and on the road and sports grounds. ACC is committed to working with communities and
industries, employers and employees to ensure that we all Thinksafe", Lianne Dalziel said.
Lianne Dalziel said that as soon as the Bill gets the Royal Assent work will commence on the development of the code of
claimant's rights which is an essential feature of the new legislation.
Lianne Dalziel also said that the rehabilitation provisions of the Bill have been welcomed by health professionals,
employers and claimants alike. ACC case managers will be very much focussed on meeting the needs of claimants to ensure
that their rehabilitation needs are met. In the past concerns have been raised that too much attention has been focussed
on getting people off the scheme rather than seeing a positive rehabilitation outcome.
"I am confident that this Bill will restore confidence in the scheme" Lianne Dalziel said.
ENDS