Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour believes the ACC operational culture is currently at odds with the scheme‟s original
intent. The Government has encouraged ACC to become ever tougher in its decisions. A
greater number of claims are being declined unnecessarily and cover is being cut back.
Labour will return to fairer administration of the scheme. Those who are entitled to
cover will get it, with a special focus on those with serious long-term injuries.
Over the last couple of years the Government implemented a raft of changes to the ACC
scheme which has severely impacted the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. For
instance, changes have impacted on those with moderate hearing loss, counselling and
support services for sensitive claims and seasonal and part-time workers.
Labour will improve the medical assessment and vocational independence processes
so there is a fair, balanced and consistent approach to assessing claims.
Labour will review National‟s changes to the ACC scheme.
Injury prevention is one of the fundamental aspects of our comprehensive accident
compensation scheme. National has cut the level of funding for injury prevention
programmes, such as falls prevention programmes for older persons.
Labour will increase, as resources allow, funding for health and safety programmes
and long term injury prevention strategies.
Over the last couple of years the ACC levies for the Motor Vehicle Account have increased
substantially. At present the bulk of vehicle registration costs relates to ACC levies.
Motorcyclists have been particularly penalised by ACC levy increases.
Labour is concerned that increased vehicle registration costs are penalising those who own
more than one vehicle, are placing undue financial pressure on those who only travel short
distances, such as older persons, and may be leading to an increase in the number of
unregistered vehicles on the road.
Labour will investigate transferring a greater portion of the ACC motor vehicle annual
licensing fee onto the petrol levy so that everyone pays a fairer share of the Motor
Vehicle Account and no one group is heavily burdened.
For further information, see Labour‟s ACC policy.
Adult and Community Education
Labour firmly believes in providing life-long opportunities for education. Adult and
Community Education (ACE) has allowed many New Zealanders, especially older New
408