A proposed review framework for the list of occupational diseases in the Accident Compensation Act (2001)

Schedule 2 lists the occupational diseases covered under the AC Act.

For an occupational disease to be included in Schedule 2, there must be strong scientific evidence of a causal link to a work-related risk, meaning any other cause is unlikely.

About the proposed review framework

Currently, the list of occupational diseases covered under the AC Act does not have a formal process for review and has not been updated since 2008.

The Government is proposing a framework to enable a regular review of Schedule 2 that would:

• Ensure the occupational diseases listed are relevant to the experiences of working New Zealanders;
• Enable it to be kept up to date with modern medical and epidemiological evidence;
• Improve claimants’ access to Work-Related Gradual Process, Disease or Infection cover.

A regular review framework could also address gaps in our understanding of how occupational diseases impact different population groups in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The feedback you provide to this consultation will help us develop advice for Ministers about a framework to enable a regular review of Schedule 2.

What we are seeking feedback on

We welcome your views on the proposed framework for regular review of Schedule 2, alternative options, and/or any other relevant points. We want to hear from individuals, claimants, businesses, occupational disease experts and any other interested parties, on the proposed framework for review of Schedule 2.

In particular, we welcome information on the costs of engaging with occupational disease experts, and suggestions of experts who may be interested in taking part in a review process.

This consultation is not reviewing which diseases should be included in Schedule 2.

After you have sent your submission

Officials from MBIE will collect all submissions sent by the closing date.

These submissions will be analysed and will help to inform final recommendations to the Minister for ACC on a review framework for the list of occupational diseases.

We may contact submitters directly if we require clarification on their submission or would like further information from them, if they have provided contact details.

Release of information

We may publish submissions, or a summary of these, on our website. When you make a submission, MBIE will consider that you have consented to it being published on the MBIE website, unless you clearly state otherwise. If your submission contains any information that is confidential or that you do not want published, you can say this in your submission.

Submissions may be requested under the Official Information Act 1982. Please clearly indicate in your cover letter or email with your submission if you have any objection to the release of any information in your submission, and which parts you consider should be withheld, together with the reasons for withholding the information.

MBIE will seek to consult with submitters when responding to any such requests. If you object to the release of information in your submission, MBIE will take that into account.

The Privacy Act 2020 applies to submissions and survey responses. Any personal information you supply to MBIE in making a submission will only be used for the purpose of assisting in the development of policy advice as part of this review. Please clearly indicate if you do not wish your name, or any other personal information, to be included in any summary of submissions that MBIE may publish.

Questions

If you have any questions about the consultation process, please email us at ACregs@mbie.govt.nz