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During her visit to London next week, Judith Collins will present New Zealand Police citations to members of the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police Service who helped with the Canterbury Earthquake response in 2011.

“The 2011 Canterbury Earthquake Citation is a unique award that recognises the unwavering spirit, actions and outstanding contribution of those who worked on the ground in Christchurch during the 2011 state of emergency,” Ms Collins says.

ACC Minister Judith Collins today announced changes to the ACC Board with the appointment of a new member, James Miller, and the resignation of a current member, Jane Huria.

“I am extremely pleased to announce the appointment of James Miller.

“Mr Miller’s background is in finance and investment and he has extensive experience as a board director in both the private and public sectors, including the Financial Markets Authority.

The Government is introducing a range of incentives to help business owners focus on improved safety management and make work places safer, ACC Minister Judith Collins says.

New Motor Vehicle Account levy classes for goods and service vehicles will better reflect the risks posed by heavier trucks that will now be levied by weight, as well as by fuel type. 

“It’s important that we recognise some forms of transport pose higher safety risks, and should attract a levy rate that reflects that risk.

The Government has decided to keep ACC levies in the Work and Earners’ Accounts unchanged for 2013/2014, ACC Minister Judith Collins announced today.

“This Government is committed to rebuilding ACC’s long-term sustainability, so we can invest in its systems, its people and the services it delivers on behalf of all New Zealanders.

“That means making sustainable change over time, and reducing levies over a longer-term framework,” Ms Collins says.

ACC Minister Judith Collins has today announced Mr Paul Searancke has been appointed to the role of interim Chair of the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC).

Mr Searancke replaces Dr Gareth Morgan, Chair of the Council since its inception in January 2011, who has stepped down to focus on other commitments.

ACC Minister Judith Collins announced today that free after-hours doctor’s visits for under six-year-olds will be extended to visits covered by ACC.

Ms Collins says ACC will work with GP networks and after-hours clinics to extend the free medical care, aiming to have the new arrangement in place by 19 December 2012.

“The Government is focussed on improving child injury outcomes. Parents shouldn’t be put off taking their young children to the doctor because of the cost.

ACC Minister Judith Collins has today congratulated Emeritus Professor John Langley for his lifetime contribution to injury prevention.

Ms Collins presented Professor Langley with a special award at the 2012 Safety conference in Wellington for his leadership and support in helping build world class injury prevention research, policy and practice.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank Professor Langley for the significant contribution he has made in raising the profile and capability of injury prevention both in New Zealand and overseas, Ms Collins said. 

ACC Minister Judith Collins and Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson today announced the Government’s plans to introduce a Safety Star Rating system to make the good safety records of businesses more visible.

Ms Collins says the voluntary system, currently being developed by ACC and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will encourage injury prevention and more effective workplace health and safety practice.

Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced three appointments to the Liquor Licensing Authority. 

Judith Moorhead, David Major and Ross Miller have been appointed for a term of five years.

“These members bring vast decision making experience to the work of the Authority,” Ms Collins said.

Judith Moorhead is an Auckland barrister and has been reappointed having been a member of the Authority since 2007.

ACC Minister Judith Collins today announced a new Chair and new members for the ACC Board, reflecting the Government’s priorities for the highest standards of best practice and service, and rebuilding the public’s trust and confidence in the corporation.

“My appointments today underline the Government’s commitment to genuine culture change, and will lead to a more balanced and comprehensive approach to the governance and operation of ACC.

ACC Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the Independent Review of ACC’s Privacy and Security of Information, and the Auditor-General’s Inquiry into aspects of ACC’s Board-level governance.

Ms Collins says ACC must deliver the high level of protection people rightly expect for their personal information and the independent report’s recommendations give clear directions for improvements.

ACC Minister Judith Collins today tabled a new Service and Purchase Agreement between the Government and ACC outlining the services to be provided by the Corporation.

Ms Collins says the new agreement comes into effect on 1 July and represents a rebalance of the broader responsibilities ACC has to all New Zealanders.

“New Zealanders rightfully expect to be able to trust in ACC and its integrity and for ACC to ensure entitlements are delivered transparently and fairly to those who need them.

The Government will not return the Accident Compensation Corporation to a pay-as-you-go funding model, ACC Minister Judith Collins has confirmed today.

“Some ACC claimants remain with ACC for anywhere up to 80 years. It would be irresponsible to leave future generations of New Zealanders to pay for claims that happen today as well as the cost of their own injuries,” Ms Collins says.

ACC Minister Judith Collins today announced that Ms Paula Rebstock will be Acting Chair on the ACC Board until a new Board Chair is appointed.

To complete the financial year for ACC it has been agreed that Mr Judge will remain as Chair until 30 June 2012.

Mr Judge takes up the role of Chair of the ANZ National Bank on 23 June 2012.

Ms Collins says Mr Judge’s new role is a significant appointment and will require even more of his time than his current role as a director.

Better performance in the ACC Non-Earners’ Account will free up $52.8 million of taxpayer funding in 2012/13, which will be returned to the Government, ACC Minister Judith Collins says.

The Non-Earners’ Account covers claims for injuries to people not in the paid workforce, such as students, beneficiaries, retirees, and children. This account is funded by the Government using money collected through general taxation.

One of New Zealand’s most senior clinical leaders, surgeon Mr Ian Civil, has been appointed Network Clinical Leader of a new Major Trauma National Clinical Network.

The new network is a joint initiative between ACC and the Ministry of Health.  It aims to ensure that the very best level of care is provided consistently across New Zealand to severely injured people.

ACC Minister Judith Collins today announced she is to continue defamation action against two Labour Party MPs, Trevor Mallard and Andrew Little, and Radio New Zealand, under the Defamation Act.

“Last week I sent a letter to each of the parties who have defamed me giving them an opportunity to respond.

“Mr Mallard and Mr Little have chosen not to respond, and Radio New Zealand has responded accordingly.

“The defamation occurred in relation to me carrying out my duties as Minister for ACC.

ACC Minister Judith Collins today announced she is taking action against two Labour Party MPs and one media organisation under the Defamation Act.

“Untrue and defamatory statements have been made about me and my conduct in relation to the handling of information I received concerning an ACC claimant.

“I value my reputation and take very seriously any accusations that I have acted improperly. This is not a course of action I take lightly.

ACC levy reductions worth more than half a billion dollars a year to workers and businesses have been signed into law by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

As announced last year, ACC’s $3.5 billion surplus in 2010/11 and continuing improvements in rehabilitation rates have enabled the reduction in levies that will save households $340 million a year and businesses $247 million a year.

A new programme that aims to generate innovative solutions to reduce the number and severity of falls in the home has been launched today by ACC Minister Judith Collins.

The programme, called Idea Nation, features a series of brainstorming forums and a competition encouraging all New Zealanders to submit their falls-prevention ideas and help ACC solve this national problem.

“On the face of it, a fall might not sound too serious but every year thousands of New Zealanders from all walks of life are hurt by a fall at home," said Ms Collins.

As New Zealanders look forward to their Christmas holidays, water safety organisations are joining ACC Minister Judith Collins in urging people to stay safe in and around water this summer.

”This year 117 people have drowned already. This is 30 more than the total drowning toll last year of 87,” says Ms Collins.

“New Zealand’s drowning toll has been falling over the last 20 years, but sadly this has not continued this year leaving more than 100 families grieving the loss of a loved one.