The Chief Minister, Andrew Barr has announced a new scheme for compensating people injured in motor accidents in the ACT, replacing the Territory’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance.
Mr Barr said the new Motor Accident Injuries Scheme would cover everyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in the ACT and ensure they received entitled payments faster.
Noting that about 600 more Canberrans each year would be entitled to treatment, care and lost wages under the new plan, Mr Barr said it was this that had prompted the Government to take action.
He said the current scheme did not cover everyone injured in a motor vehicle accident and for those who were, it could take two years or more to receive a full payout.
“For example, if someone is injured because they hit a kangaroo or lose control on an icy patch and run off the road, they can’t make a claim to cover their medical bills and lost income,” Mr Barr said.
“Despite this, Canberrans pay some of the highest CTP premiums in the country.”
He said the new scheme would cover everyone injured in a motor vehicle accident and ensure they didn’t have to wait years to receive their payout.
“Canberrans who are seriously injured will still be able to pursue damages through the legal system if they need treatment and care long-term, after accessing up to five years of defined benefits,” Mr Barr said.
He said the design of the new scheme was recommended by the Citizens’ Jury on CTP.
“The jury was made up of about 50 Canberrans who met several times over six months to hear evidence about how our current CTP scheme works from experts and people with experience of making claims through the scheme,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the draft Bill would now be referred to the Justice and Community Safety Committee of the Legislative Assembly for further community consultation.
The Committee will report by the end of October and its input will inform the final Bill to be introduced into the Assembly by the end of the year.
