I’ve been moderating the Nikki accident post pretty heavily to avoid the ACC debate becoming personalised. However I think it is worth sharing the standard nat email response so people can see it. With a comment from P Jones:
Just as well Ms Kaye was riding a bicycle and not a motorcycle. The following is the standard National response to questions about the proposed motorcycle levy increase. I would like to hear Ms Kayes response about the cost to ACC of bicycle accidents – given that cyclist pay NOTHING toward the cost of their claims. (Incidentally every one of the purported “facts*” in the following can be shown, using ACCs own figures, to be false):
Thank you for your email regarding changes to ACC, specifically your concerns regarding how this will affect Motorcycle users. The National-led Government is determined to preserve and protect our 24/7, no-fault accident insurance programme.
ACC is facing some real challenges. Its liabilities have ballooned to almost $24 billion – $13 billion more than its assets. This is unsustainable and unaffordable.*
In 2008/09, ACC paid more than $62 million to motorcycle riders but collected only $12.3 million in levies.*
The incidence, severity and cost of motorcycle crash injuries are not reflected in current levies. The cost of injuries in motorcycle crashes is about four times higher than injuries in other motor vehicle crashes.*
To help make up this difference the ACC Board has proposed a reclassification and an increase to the motorcycle levies. Even with the proposed increase in levies other motor vehicle owners will continue to pay $77 each to cross-subsidise motorcyclists.*
We want to have an open and honest conversation with the public as to how they want us to fund the shortfall. If the shortfall is not funded through an increase to motorcycle levies, it will have to be funded from somewhere else.
The proposed increases are currently open to public consultation. We encourage motorcyclists and other motorists to have their say on this issue by making submissions to ACC by 5PM, 10 November.
Following public consultation, the Government will receive advice from the ACC Board and make a final decision.
I would like to encourage you to have your say on the proposals, via this link: http://www.acc.co.nz/consultation
Thank you once again for letting me know your views
