New National Injury Insurance Scheme to fill gap in cover

Queensland will soon join a new national road crash insurance scheme to fill a gap that has previously left some catastrophically injured motorists without cover for medical costs, rehabilitation and ongoing care.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said in May 2013 all states and territories except WA agreed to address a gap in current compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance that meant drivers were not covered for their injuries if they were at fault in a crash or if nobody was at fault.

Mr Pitt today launched a public awareness campaign to highlight the new National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) which would start in Queensland from 1 July.

“All governments except WA agreed to a new NIIS to fill a CTP gap that means if a driver is at fault in a crash, or there is no one at fault, the driver is not covered by their CTP policy for costs associated with their injuries,” he said.

“The former government signed our state up to the scheme but didn’t lay out a plan to implement it, so the Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the job of delivering it to benefit and protect Queenslanders.

“I’d be surprised if the opposition doesn’t offer bipartisan support for the scheme.”

Mr Pitt said an all-party parliamentary committee was currently examining the implementation of the scheme and was due to report back next month.

He said the Motor Accident Insurance Commission had advised an average of three Queenslanders a week sustained catastrophic injuries in road crashes such as brain or spinal injuries, limb amputations, severe burns, or blindness.

“At present about half of all people who sustain such catastrophic injuries on Queensland’s roads are not covered by their CTP because they were found to be at fault or no one was at fault,” he said.

“It may come as a surprise to many Queenslanders, that they are not as protected as they may think.

“Nobody would risk being half-protected so doing nothing is not an option.”

At the launch Australian Paralympic Swimmer Marayke Jonkers said living with life-changing injuries as a result of a road crash had significant emotional and financial costs.

“I was fortunate to receive compensation for the injuries I sustained,” she said.

“However, I feel for anyone who sustains catastrophic injuries in a road crash who needs to rely on public health care, social services, friends and family for day-to-day care and support.”

For more information about the National Injury Insurance Scheme proposed for Queensland, visit qld.gov.au/niis or call 1300 302 568.

Contact:  0447 316 432 / 0419 945 546