Minister Barr: Fairer coverage for all Canberrans under new Motor Accident Injuries Scheme
- Written by ACT Government
Released 16/05/2019
Canberrans will receive fairer, faster and more comprehensive support if they are injured in a motor vehicle accident thanks to the Motor Accident Injuries Scheme passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly today.
Everyone who is injured in a motor vehicle accident will now be entitled to receive treatment, care and lost income benefits for up to five years – no matter who was at fault. People who are more seriously injured will continue to be able to make a claim for further compensation through common law.
This will mean about 600 more Canberrans each year will be covered by the scheme than under the current arrangements. This 40% increase in coverage delivers a better and fairer scheme for people when the worst happens.
This wide-ranging reform to the ACT’s compulsory third party insurance arrangements was developed through Canberra’s first citizens’ jury, starting in 2017. Through the jury process, 50 locals were asked to determine what the objectives should be for an improved scheme and how we could better protect Canberrans on our roads.
The new scheme delivers on the goals set out by the jury, including:
* Fair coverage for all road users
* Equitable access to treatment and care for people who are injured
* Quick and transparent benefits to get recovery underway as soon as possible
* Comprehensive and ongoing support for those who need it most
The ACT Government is grateful to the members of the citizens’ jury for giving their time, energy and commitment to the task. We gave them a big job, and every member of the jury went above and beyond in doing it.
The new scheme is expected to commence on 1 February 2020.
People who are injured in a motor vehicle accident before this date will continue to have their matters dealt with under the existing CTP arrangements. People who have ongoing CTP matters in train on the transition date will also continue to have these dealt with under the existing scheme.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
