As I said: Fair warning

[Rayray401]

I'm confused, are you suggesting that people are leaving due to ACC or will leave due to possible privatisation?

Bah, due to the increasing costs, ACC itself is a good thing. But in NZ its quite fail i think. ACC going private def not a good thing though.

[jono035]

Bah, due to the increasing costs, ACC itself is a good thing. But in NZ its quite fail i think. ACC going private def not a good thing though.

Ahh, I get ya. For me it has always been true that I would earn more money living overseas, so technically staying in NZ is the more expensive option anyway.

I like it here.

[Rayray401]

Ahh, I get ya. For me it has always been true that I would earn more money living overseas, so technically staying in NZ is the more expensive option anyway.

I like it here.

Yeah, depends on the type of lifestyle you're looking for. Environment here is the best, but to get rich? na..

[p.dath]

And they wonder so many NZers are leaving NZ. Another reason to get out, then come back to retire and eat off the government, then its another excuse for Winston to bitch on...

I think since the recession more NZ's have returned home than left. Seem to recall something about it on the news a while ago.

[twinkle]

What a crock of shit. Just privatise the fucking thing. Anyone earning a decent wage and with more than one vehicle I reckon could at least get cheaper insurance privately. Or at least give everyone the option. Oh, but hang on, we have to prop up all the rugby players, skiers etc etc that don't pay any user related levies.

I imagine private insurance would cover peoples recreational activities too, just the same as ACC does now?

[jono035]

I think since the recession more NZ's have returned home than left. Seem to recall something about it on the news a while ago.

Yeah, but a year or so of recession won't exactly make up for the last decade!

Also depends on whether it is the skilled workers returning or just people who have been travelling and now can't find basic unskilled jobs overseas...

[twinkle]

In a country of over 4 million can we afford such a liberal ACC system?

I'm not sure I see how economies of scale can be applied to healthcare.

[p.dath]

So lets say, wrongly or rightly, ACC scales back its insurance offering considerably. So lets pretend they are only going to cover you for a maximum of 30 days, and only if your injury is severe enough to require hospitalisation for 24 hours or longer.

Suddenly a crop of private insurers would step in, offering to provide cover beyond the 30 day limit, and for less serious injuries (like a broken arm).

Would you take up some kind of additional private accident insurance, or stick with the minimum cover provided by ACC - effectively deciding to "self insure" for those less severe medical requirements.

[pete376403]

I heard a couple of people discussing this last week - these are people who provide Psychological services to "sensitive cases" on ACC.

Relevant bit is this: ACC's internal costs are EIGHT TIMES what they pay the therapists. EIGHT TIMES! In other words, 88% of the cost of providing sensitive case services is sucked up internally by ACC itself..

No wonder they got a friggin budget blowout...

My employer does a bit of work for ACC. I worked on a job some time ago where around thirty or forty people were relocated from one building to another in Wellington, with all the folderol that goes with shifting desks, computers, rejigging phones, etc - all after hours of course. Reason for relocate - they were now reporting to a different manager. Would it not be quicker and cheaper to relocate the manager? Yes, but manager didn't want to loose his nice corner office with a view of the harbour. But it's alright, it's only money, and best of all it's someone elses money

[Brian d marge]

And they wonder so many NZers are leaving NZ. Another reason to get out, then come back to retire and eat off the government, then its another excuse for Winston to bitch on...

you have seen through my cunning plan, I might start paying into the Japanese scheme , then bugger off

Acc was and is affordable , yes some thing might have to be trimmed , stopped but its original conception was affordable and sustainable ,

It has been inherited by both parties and the ones who I feel have made the better changes are from Helen and her mates ,

Good luck you lot voted for the current regime...... you reap you sow

Carry on ! ( I m all right Jack )

Stephen

[pete376403]

2) And heres a hot potatoe....sport is a discretionary activity. I wonder what percentage of claims are sporting injuries.

Should you be asking that, given your income is largely derived from products and services used in dangerous sporting activities...?

[p.dath]

I fucken well do. Why? Becuase I pay for it.

I paid for my licences.
...

A red blinger has just bought something to my attention.

Remember when we had lifetime licences? I bet you paid for one of those like most of us.
Just as the Government can give you something, it can just as easily take it away.

[Grahameeboy]

That would go against the experience of every country that has introduced compulsory TP insurance and then allowed private companies to compete for business.

I still don't understand what Mr Dath is getting at either. Some people won't be sold insurance because they are high risk. They'll still drive and they won't pay their fines.

Difference is that take UK you can claim for General Damages and since the seat belt law in the 80's, claims costs have gone up...average whiplash claim was GBP4000 when I left in 1998 plus loss of wages etc...

Same in States too.

NZ does not have to worry about those damages

[p.dath]

...
I still don't understand what Mr Dath is getting at either. Some people won't be sold insurance because they are high risk. They'll still drive and they won't pay their fines.

Sounds harsh - but if you can't find anyone who will sell you insurance at any price - then that's the market saying your too dangerous to be on the road.

And yeah, I do expect some recidivist offenders, especially recidivist drunk drivers, wont be able to get insurance.

And I know what your going to say. They'll drive anyway. As I've said before, keep confiscating the cars they are in.
They'll loose their car, their mates car, and anyone else's car who is foolish enough to let an uninsured driver use.
Soon they'll have no mates, and no further access to vehicles.

Hard lesson, but better than them killing people.

[pete376403]

Meanwhile, back at ACC..The number of ACC staff on salaries of more than $100,000 has increased by 67 to a total of 259.

Those earning more than $300,000 has doubled to 10.

And the chief executive has had a big pay rise, now taking home up to $560,000.