ACC Sensitive Claims monitoring report a “fail” mark
17th July, 2012
Kyle MacDonald: New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists
The 18 month follow up monitoring report of the ACC Sensitive Claims Clinical Pathway shows clearly that only three of
the 14 recommendations have been fully met.
“I consider this a fail mark” says Kyle MacDonald. “This report demonstrates how victims of sexual abuse and assault are
still struggling to access the support they are entitled to as a direct result of the National Government led cost
cutting drive in 2009. The fallout of this ill-informed policy is still being felt.”
The report details some areas of improvement, but strong concerns remain around the use of external ACC appointed
assessors, implemented in 2009 due to the ACC’s “reinterpretation” of the legislation. Also of concern is the manner in
which the Sensitive Claims pathway often fails survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Detailed in the report is the massive decrease from 40% of claims accepted versus claims lodged in 2009; down to 4% in
2011 and 2012. “This is a horrifying number.” says MacDonald. “This is clear evidence that the ACC’s policies are still
failing New Zealanders and survivors of sexual abuse. And it’s worth remembering this report pre-dates the Privacy
Breach of over 6000 ACC claimants, and subsequent events.”
ENDS