ACC debate provokes surprise Henare confession

Tau Henare. Photo / Greg Bowker

An argument over whether ACC should pay compensation to criminals has led to National MP Tau Henare saying that he breaks the speed limit every day and would not expect compensation if he got hurt doing it.

Council of Trade Union president Helen Kelly told MPs considering legislative changes to ACC today that a blanket ban on ACC compensation for those hurt while committing crimes would have unfair consequences.

Ms Kelly said the ban would even punish those who had a moment of madness or made a mistake.

She cited the example of someone who caused a death by careless driving and was also unable to work due to injury from the accident.

This provoked a reaction from National MP Tau Henare who said he broke the law every and day would not expect to get compensation if his actions killed someone.

"Hell I've broken laws heaps of times ... I do it every day, I speed down the motorway, but what I am saying is that if I am involved in an accident and I maim somebody or hurt somebody I shouldn't have a right to ACC," Mr Henare said.

He believed most New Zealanders would not take the stance being promoted by the CTU, Ms Kelly replied this might be the case until it happened to a family member.

Ms Kelly said the courts currently had the discretion to order that ACC compensation not be paid for accidents that happen during serious crimes such as murder.

The Government is considering looking at cutting out ACC lump sum and income compensation payments to those who are hurt when committing criminal acts.

The changes would not cut ACC paying for the treatment of people no matter how stupid or illegal their actions.

ACC Minister Nick Smith said it was possible that those who lost their ACC entitlements would move over to the benefit system.

- NZPA