"Day of Shame" strengthens ACC inquiry call

Green MP Sue Bradford says she hopes a nationwide "Day of Shame" protest today against the way ACC is being run will add weight to cross-party calls for an inquiry into ACC.

The Green ACC Spokesperson said she was lending her support to the aim of the protest, which was to highlight injustices suffered by many people in their dealings with ACC.

The Green Party and other political parties have called for a select committee inquiry into ACC, particularly how long-term ACC claimants are managed.

"Today's protest confirms that a significant number of people do not have confidence in ACC," Ms Bradford said. "I can understand that, and I am calling on the Government to support an inquiry, and to take urgent action to rectify the problems.

"There needs to be a radical change in culture at ACC, so that claimants, employers, other levy-payers and all other people who deal with ACC are treated with respect and dignity. If the system is to work, people have to have faith in it."

The Green Party is calling for:

* An end to ACC "exit strategies" that are designed to save ACC money rather than restore injured people to their pre-injury earning capacity,

* A requirement that ACC rehabilitate injured people in a manner that will restore them to their maximum potential,

* A law change to extend the definition of personal injury to ensure all injured people receive ACC cover, and

* A law change to ensure that people affected by injury remain supported by ACC for as long as their injury plays a role in their condition.

Protests have been organised by claimants, support groups, and small business owners, concerned that claimants are not receiving proper help and rehabilitation despite increased levies.

Protests are planned for Auckland, Whangarei, Hastings, Rotorua, Christchurch and Dunedin, including a rally in Auckland at noon outside the ACC building at 450 Queen Street.

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