Question to Minister: ACC sensitive claims and sexual abuse victims

LYNNE PILLAY (Labour) to the Minister for ACC: Has ACC abandoned all changes relevant to sexual abuse victims since question time yesterday?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for ACC) : No. The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is consulting providers on the clinical guidelines for sensitive claims. No final decisions have yet been made. I assure the member that the needs of sexual abuse survivors will be paramount. Decisions on the clinical guidelines will be made by clinicians, not by politicians.
Lynne Pillay: Given the Minister’s assurance in the Chamber yesterday that the proposals were in the best interests of victims, followed by ACC’s back-down a few hours later because the proposals would not work, can the Minister guarantee victims of sexual abuse that they will not be subjected to more cost-cutting strategies at their expense?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH: I can assure the member opposite that in dealing with sensitive claims what is paramount, in respect of ACC’s policy, is ensuring the very best quality of service.
Sue Moroney: Can the Minister provide any evidence of representations or submissions made by the Minister of Women’s Affairs to the Minister for ACC on behalf of victims of sexual abuse?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH: No, and I will tell the member why. We on this side of the House believe that clinical decisions should be made by clinicians, not by politicians. I am disappointed that members opposite think we want ACC’s clinical decisions to be made on a political whim.
Michael Woodhouse: What was the origin of the new clinical guidelines, and when did the process being?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH: I am surprised that Labour members are today criticising the clinical guidelines. In June 2008 the official launch of the guidelines was praised by none other than the Hon Steve Maharey. The origins of the guidelines go back to 2004, when concerns were raised about the effectiveness of sexual abuse counselling. That resulted in an $800,000 comprehensive research programme, which led to new guidelines being produced last year. Those guidelines are now being consulted on for implementation.
I seek leave to table a photo of the Hon Steve Maharey at the launch of the clinical guidelines, where he said what an important step forward—
Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Debates/Debates/1/4/0/49HansD_20090826_00000001-Questions-for-Oral-Answer-Questions-to-Ministers.htm