The Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten, has announced the appointment of the National Injury Insurance Scheme Advisory Group.

The Advisory Group has been appointed following the release of the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Disability Care and Support. The Productivity Commission recommended the establishment of two schemes, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS).  The NIIS is intended to cover the lifetime care and support needs for all people who experience a catastrophic injury.

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten said that “if someone suffers a catastrophic injury at present, the level of treatment that a person receives will vary depending on where it occurs.  It’s a postcode lottery – and it isn’t good enough.”

“Why should the state you are injured in or the cause of your injury determine the level ofcare you receive? Your medical and support needs, not any other factor, should determine your level of care.”

The Government has tasked the Assistant Treasurer to progress consideration of a NIIS with the states and territories.

“The NIIS is a core component of the Productivity Commission’s findings and the Government is committed to making progress quickly.  The Advisory Group will ensure that the Government acts on the basis of expert advice,” Mr Shorten said.

The Advisory Group will assist the Government consider the Productivity Commission’s NIIS recommendations. 

The Advisory Group comprises a diverse range of experts and key stakeholders, including representatives from the insurance, legal, disability and medical sectors, as well as local government and unions. 

The group plans to meet regularly over the coming months to consider the issues associated with the establishment of a NIIS.

A full list of members of the NIIS Advisory Group is listed below.

Mr David Bowen (Chair)

Executive Director, New South Wales Lifetime Care and Support Scheme. Was a Member of the Independent Panel appointed to advise the Productivity Commission and Government during the Inquiry into long-term care and support for Australians with disability.

Mr John Cain

National, Special Projects Manager, Maurice Blackburn.

Dr Rhonda Galbally AO

Chair of the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council. Member of NDIS Advisory Group. Was a Member of the Independent Panel appointed to advise the Productivity Commission and Government during the Inquiry into long-term care and support for Australians with disability.

Ms Cath Evans

General Manager Corporate Development and Operations, Melbourne, Slater and Gordon

Ms Ged Kearney

President, Australian Council of Trade Unions.

Mr Peter Martin

Australian Government Actuary

Ms Genia McCaffery

President, Australian Local Government Association.

Mr Paul O’Connor

Chief Executive Officer, Comcare.

Dr Andrew Pesce

Immediate Past President, Australian Medical Association. Was a Member of the Independent Panel appointed to advise the Productivity Commission and Government during the Inquiry into long-term care and support for Australians with disability.

Mr Alex Sanchez

General Manager, Economic and Taxation Directorate, Insurance Council of Australia

Mr John Walsh, AM

Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Associate Commissioner, Productivity Commission Inquiry into long term care and support for Australians with disability.