ACC should release Boag-Pullar 45-point list

The Green Party is pushing for cultural reform at ACC and is calling on the organisation to release a 45-point list detailing some of its privacy and protocol breaches.

Green Party ACC spokesperson Kevin Hague said the list — provided to ACC by aggrieved claimant Bronwyn Pullar and National Party insider Michelle Boag — along with any recommendations from the Privacy Commissioner’s review and any other inquiries would be a good start in the push for change

“While we’re expressing concern about political interference, it’s important we don’t lose sight of the bigger picture — it’s a public service organisation encumbered with a sick culture,” Mr Hague said.

“ACC needs to return to the Woodhouse Principles: no-fault universal cover for injured people, and comprehensive rehabilitation. The organisation must stop avoiding its responsibilities.

“The organisation needs to turn away from its culture of disentitlement, where claimants are seen as the enemy and frontline staff are encouraged to think their job is to minimise ACC expenditure.

“People shouldn’t have to beg in their time of need.

“Browyn Pullar’s experience isn’t unique — many people share her negative experiences.

“This has been shown by the many recent media stories about everyday New Zealanders who have been mistreated by the wayward organisation.

“The ACC we want, will have excellent data management processes that show respect for people’s confidentiality, genuine concern for privacy breaches, the ability and desire to respond with urgency to issues, and – it goes without saying – complete independence from political interference.

“There are currently a lot of great staff doing a good job at ACC, but they are being progressively squeezed out of the organisation.”

Kevin Hague puts forward the important questions that need to be asked in this blog post: http://blog.greens.org.nz/2012/03/22/acc-what-we-really-need-to-ask/

ENDS

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