Relief over ACC u-turn, but concerns remain

Green Party ACC spokesman Kevin Hague. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Victim advocates are relieved to see a reversal by ACC on its decision to cut funding for sexual abuse counselling, but the Greens say independent reviews should also follow other changes the Crown organisation has made.

Last October ACC cut counselling for victims of rape and other sexual abuse "sensitive claims", and funding was restricted to those with a diagnosed mental injury resulting from sexual abuse or assault, sparking outrage and protests from victim advocates.

But it back-tracked yesterday and said from next week people with a new ACC sensitive claim, or with a new claim already in the system but awaiting a decision, would be able to access up to 16 hours with a counsellor.

ACC said the decision was made after concerns were expressed and followed advice from an independent panel appointed by ACC Minister Nick Smith to review the sensitive claims pathway in light of advice he had got from clinicians.

Dr Smith said the 16 hours was an interim provision, and a long-term plan would be made after the final report from the panel was released in mid-September.

He said while he had been careful not to interfere with what was a clinical matter, he didn't think ACC had managed the issue well.

The Mental Health Foundation, Human Rights Commission and National Council of Women NZ (NCWNZ) all expressed relief over the u-turn today, although the organisations have raised questions as to whether the 16 hours will be enough for some victims.

NCWNZ national president Elizabeth Bang said the situation showed how critical it was to test new policy approaches before rolling them out.

She said savings made during the nine month "experiment" would no doubt be spent on an envisaged influx of claimants. "Again, ACC will need to ensure they have sufficient staff on deck to manage the opening of the flood-gates," Ms Bang said.

Green Party ACC spokesman Kevin Hague said the u-turn "strongly suggested" that all changes ACC has made to its cover, entitlements and assessment criteria needed to be independently reviewed.

"An independent review is needed to ensure ACC is doing its job and not causing re-victimisation of accident victims," Mr Hague said.

He said Dr Smith had introduced other changes to ACC over the past two years which were not supported by evidence.

Labour's ACC spokesman David Parker said it was unacceptable that Dr Smith was pointing the finger at the ACC board over the sexual abuse funding issue.

"The minister was repeatedly and clearly warned by clinicians and the Labour Party that his changes were so obviously wrong.

"Why have a minister if he will not take responsibility in the face of prior warnings."

- NZPA