ACC report puts lie to Govt argument

The Annual Report of the ACC, released today, highlights the errors of the Government's claim that private insurance premiums have cut the cost of workplace accident insurance, Labour ACC spokesperson Ruth Dyson said.

"For an accurate comparison between private insurance costs and ACC costs, you must compare apples with apples. The figures released today offer further information for that comparison.

"The message for employers is that unless this year's private insurance is less than half of what your ACC premium was last year, and is sustainable at that level, you are spending more than you would have been spending.

"The combination of the reduction in the ACC's overall expenditure, the 5% reduction in operating costs, and the calculation for the residual claims levy would have been very good news for employers in New Zealand - had they been allowed to choose to stay with ACC! The average private insurance levy of $1.27 per $100 compares badly to what would have been charged this year in the workers compensation section of the ACC premium.

"The management and staff of ACC have done tremendous work in difficult political and legislative conditions.

"I have been meeting employers throughout New Zealand and discussion Labour's plan to rebuild ACC," Ruth Dyson said. " Labour is determined to learn from and therefore not repeat the mistakes of the past, and to ensure that the injury prevention work which has been started by employers and unions over the last few years is supported.

"I have been heartened by the response that I have had from employers. It is clear that they are tired of the political interference, and want some clear direction, leadership and consistency in ACC policy."

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