The Accidental Compensation Corporation is conducting “research” on the possibility of a “cash incentive” for its members.
This was confirmed by Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinuu Wayne So’oialo in response to questions from Radio Polynesia.
Last month, Minister Leatinu’u challenged the ACC to consider a Stimulus Package for workers during these difficult times as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leatinu’u said the Accidental Compensation Corporation should use their “common sense” and make a submission for a stimulus for Cabinet to consider, as it’s not the Minister’s job to instigate such initiatives.
Today, the Minister says the latest update is that further research is being conducted by the ACC on the subject matter.
“Taking into account several important factors such as the affordability of such a cash incentive and in which financial year it may be feasible.
“The outcomes of the abovementioned research will be submitted to Cabinet in due course, for Cabinet’s further deliberations and decision.”
Adding “the Governance structure of the ACC requires a decision by the ACC Board, whom proposals such as a “cash incentive” have to be presented for their views before a final Cabinet directive is issued.”
Leatinu’u said on TV EFKS that the ACC allocated $11 million for budget support in the financial year 2020-2021 as part of the former Government’s initiative close to the General Election by offering $50 tala for each person even babies, to a country of more than 200,000 population.
Leatinu’u then called out the CEO of the ACC, Muliagatele Makerita Matafeo to “wake up” and consider the concerns raised.
The accident compensation was established in 1978 and it is a no-fault social insurance scheme with unlimited access to common law remedies, and as with any insurance system, it provides specific areas of cover and entitlement and collects premiums based on the cost of providing those entitlements.
