Women's Refuge Welcomes Change Of ACC Class.

MEDIACOM-RELEASE-WOMEN'S-REFUGE

WOMEN'S REFUGE WELCOMES CHANGE OF ACC CLASSIFICATION

Women's Refuge has welcomed an indication from the Government that it will be changing the organisation's ACC classification.

Chief executive Merepeka Raukawa-Tait says in submissions to the Select Committee considering changes to ACC the organisation pointed out that privitisation of ACC has saved The National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges more than $100,000 in premiums.

Women's Refuge stated that under its current classification it would be paying premiums at a similar level as professional rugby players and fire brigade services with the return to a nationalised ACC scheme.

The Government has now announced a new classification for Women's Refuge with ACC Minister Dr Michael Cullen saying re-classification will mean the Refuges save thousands of dollars on their ACC bills, freeing up money to spend on important core business.

Merepeka Raukawa-Tait says the Minister's announcement is most welcome not only because of the money it will free up for the Refuges vital important work, but because it represents an acknowledgement by the Government of the importance of Women's Refuge.

"It is good to see the Government has listened and acknowledges that our work is important and that we can continue to make a difference to the lives of thousands of women and children with savings that will be made in premium payments."

She says demand on Women's Refuges resources are considerable with 56 safe-houses throughout the country, together with a host of community based support services, and education work, and any savings the organisation can make go directly into helping more women and children.

MEDIA STATEMENT FROM WOMEN'S REFUGE

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