MEDIA RELEASE – For immediate use, 20 September 2016

Government response to ACC dispute resolution report encouraging

The New Zealand Law Society has welcomed Acting ACC Minister Nathan Guy’s announcement that the Government will address all recommendations in Miriam Dean QC’s independent report on the ACC dispute resolution processes.

The convenor of the Law Society’s ACC committee, Don Rennie, says the report is an important step in ensuring the access to justice issues around the ACC process are addressed and then resolved.

“The independent research carried out by Acclaim Otago in 2015 which led to Miriam Dean’s review needs to be recognised and applauded,” Mr Rennie says.

“It showed some major problems in receiving fair treatment while accessing the ACC process for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“The report released today addresses the issues and makes recommendations on ways forward. Many of these are high level and there is obviously more work required to ensure we reach effective and lasting solutions.”

Mr Rennie says the Law Society fully supports deferral for three years of a decision on whether to introduce a stand-alone Accident Compensation Appeal Tribunal.

“We appreciate the chance to have been involved in consultation on the Tribunal proposal, as well as being able to have input into the report released today.”

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