On 11 November 2015, the Queensland State Government made an announcement to consider options to implement a National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS). The purpose of this insurance scheme is to protect people who have catastrophically injured in motor vehicle accidents, irrespective of fault.This reform may bring Queensland up to a standard that most States have already achieved.
The proposal has been commended by the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) because as ALA President Rod Hodgson has said, a no-fault scheme the provides people with choice for their support needs and protected legal rights would significantly make a difference in the lives of people with catastrophic injuries.
Currently, Queensland has no statutory scheme in place to protect individuals and families from lifetime costs due to catastrophic injury where no one is to found to be at fault. This causes a serious imbalance in Queensland compared to other States. Further, Queensland’s current compulsory third party insurance scheme has no coverage for injured people who are at fault for a car accident or who unfortunately get into situations where there is no negligent party involved such as an animal walking on the road or a hit and run accident.
“Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the Australian Government Productivity Commission recommended the establishment of the NIIS, in conjunction with the National Disability Insurance Scheme – recommendations which would be delivered by the Palaszczuk Government.”
