ACC choice to cut costs for all New Zealanders

Hon Rodney Hide, ACT Leader
Thursday 22 October 2009

All New Zealanders stand to benefit from the lower ACC charges that choice will guarantee, ACT Leader Rodney Hide said today.

Mr Hide was welcoming the Government’s agreement to work with ACT to open the ACC Work Account to competition.

"We will all benefit from the improved quality of service, innovation and lower costs that flow from greater choice and competition," Mr Hide said.

"Everyone gains from choice. People who can get a better deal will do so.

"The decision reflects the long-standing commitment of ACT to the principle of choice and competition in the provision of social services, including ACC.

"People should have a choice of insurance provider for work-related accidents in the same way that they have a choice for their home and car insurance. We are enabling people to assess the costs and benefits for themselves and make their own decisions.

"Significant changes are needed to sustain ACC. That’s been clear since the Government became aware of the serious and undisclosed financial condition of the scheme.

"The successful experience with the limited opening up of the ACC Work Account to competition between 1998 and 2000 provides confidence that this is the way to go."

Mr Hide said ACT would be supporting the ACC legislation through all its stages.

"I am looking forward to the ACC Stocktake Group’s interim report in February, ahead of its final report in June 2010."

ENDS

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