7 March 2016
MEDIA RELEASE – Lifetime Care and Support Scheme the best option for QLD’s catastrophically injured
Suncorp and Youngcare continued to argue-strongly today for the adoption of a full lifetime care and support scheme at the Queensland Parliamentary Committee examining the implementation of the National Injury Insurance Scheme.
Suncorp’s Executive General Manager Personal Injury Portfolio & Products, Mr Chris McHugh, said the Committee had an important choice between adopting a hybrid scheme which relies on volatile lump-sum payments and complex legal proceedings or a lifetime care and support scheme that provides certainty.
“Introducing no-fault cover and lifetime care means everyone who suffers a catastrophic injury on Queensland roads will get the care and support they need, for the rest of their life.
“It’s a cheaper and fairer scheme design.
“A hybrid scheme design is more expensive and lump-sum compensation can often run out, leaving catastrophically-injured people without the support they need,” Mr McHugh said.
Samantha Kennerley, CEO of Youngcare, said there had been numerous cases where catastrophically injured people had exhausted their lump-sum compensation and now relied on welfare and the support of family and friends.
“Youngcare exists to find dignified and appropriate housing and care for people who need it. We see first-hand the pain and suffering of people who don’t have access to ongoing care.
“The Queensland Government has a once in a generation opportunity to fix this situation and ensure that those people who find themselves with a catastrophic injury can live the life they deserve,” Mrs Kennerley said.
Mr McHugh said it had been demonstrated in other parts of Australia that providing lifetime care for people with catastrophic injuries delivered the best rehabilitation outcomes and maximised quality of life for the lowest cost.
“Queensland needs a world-class lifetime care and support scheme that cares for catastrophically injured people for their entire life.
“Approximately three Queenslanders suffer catastrophic injuries from motor accidents each week,” Mr McHugh said.
The Education, Tourism, Innovation and Small Business Committee, which is conducting the inquiry, is due to report by 21 March 2016.
Background:
Suncorp’s public policy document, Beyond Fault – Progressing to universal no-fault insurance for catastrophic motor injuries, is available here. Suncorp is Australia’s largest personal injury insurer.
Youngcare is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing appropriate and dignified care and accommodation for young Australians with high care needs.
For further information contact:
Rob White
External Relations Manager
Commercial Insurance
Suncorp
Ph. +61 02 8121 0467
Mob. 0411 881 887
[email protected]
Jake Krausmann
Senior Relations Adviser
Commercial Insurance
Suncorp
Ph. 02 8121 0469
Mob. 0411 409 074
[email protected]