The Palaszczuk Labor Government has introduced the most expensive model for a National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) in State Parliament this week, blatantly ignoring the vast majority of advice from stakeholders, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said.
Mr Bennett said while he welcomed the introduction of the National Injury Insurance Scheme, which the former LNP Government signed up to, he did not support moves to slug Queensland motorists with a higher levy.
“The LNP introduced amendments which would have saved Queensland motorists $8 per vehicle, while also providing a better standard of care for people seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents,” he said.
“We are disappointed the Palaszczuk Labor Government and crossbenchers voted against these amendments, which had the widespread support of community representatives, academics, insurers and other key stakeholders.
“The LNP amendments would have introduced a Lifetime Care and Support Scheme for all people injured in a serious motor vehicle accident, based on the models implemented around the country.
“Instead, Labor has adopted a model which is yet to be implemented in any other Australian state and does not satisfy the important minimum benchmarks the former LNP Government signed up to.”
Mr Bennett said he unequivocally supported the implementation of a no-fault care scheme, which would provide care for all Queenslanders seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident.
“While I don’t agree with the more costly and less comprehensive model put forward by the government, the National Injury Insurance Scheme is an important milestone in further protecting Queenslanders.”
The National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland will operate as a hybrid model, incorporating a no-fault model while retaining an option for exercising common-law rights to recover the costs of treatment, care and support for those who were not a ‘at fault’ for their injuries.
The National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland will come into effect from July 1, 2016. To allow CTP insurers, the National Injury Insurance Agency and the Department of Transport and Main Road to make the necessary arrangements the levy for the scheme will commence October 1, 2016.
Friday, 27 May 2016