There is more work to be done to address concerns on the dispute resolution processes of ACC, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

In July 2015, advocacy group Acclaim Otago (Otago) released a report into the dispute resolution processes of ACC – it identified four issues, which it labelled as the “likely causes of current inefficiencies in the dispute resolution system.” These included: being heard, access to the law, access to evidence and access to representation.

To determine the validity of the concerns raised, MBIE commissioned Miriam R Dean CNZM QC to undertake an independent review to assess the concerns raised, after a request made by the Minister for ACC.

The MBIE has now provided the market with the findings of the independent review. MBIE said Dean’s review found that some of the concerns raised by Acclaim were valid. It also recommended a number of possible improvements to existing practices. Some of these include:

• ACC increase the rate of contribution to review costs for customers;

• ACC adopt a model litigant policy and improve settlement processes;

• ACC fund and promote advocacy services;

• Agencies explore initiatives to encourage more lawyers into accident compensation law;

• District Court to appoint counsel in exceptional circumstances.

“It is important that ACC clients have access to fair, effective and timely dispute resolution processes,” MBIE said.

ACC, meanwhile, said it is committed to implementing these recommendations.