The Territory LaborGovernment has passed legislation that ensures a fairer Motor AccidentCompensation (MAC) Scheme for local seniors.
The range of benefits offered by the MAC Scheme to thoseinjured in motor accidents includes a raft of things including hospital costs,rehabilitation benefits, medical benefits and weekly compensation benefits(known as loss of earning capacity benefits).
Of these, only the loss of earning capacity benefit ceaseson attainment of the Commonwealth Pension Age (which has been the case sincecommencement of the MAC Scheme in 1979).
The legislation means claimants who have reached or exceeded theCommonwealth Pension Age will no longer be excluded from loss of earningcapacity benefits and will instead be eligible for up to two years.
Under the MAC Scheme, the maximum amount paid is prescribedunder the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Act as 85 per cent of averageweekly earnings (as at 1 January, this is $965.98).
The legislation responds to concerns raised by senior Territorians and providesa more contemporary scheme for all Territorians.
Treasurer Nicole Mansion said:
The Territory operates agenerous no-fault motor accident scheme, where Territorians do not have toprove an accident was due to the fault of another person before receivingcompensation.
This legislation provides a fairer scheme for our seniors, striking a sensible balance between ensuring reasonable compensation for all injuredpeople, and affordable premiums for Territory motorists.
It provides a safety net to support our senior Territoriansback to work and health ensuring they will receive loss of earning capacitybenefits while they recover and return to work, or transition to retirement.
We all value the contribution of our seniors many whocontinue to work well beyond the pension age and we want to encourage ourseniors to stay in the Territory as active members of our communities.
