Highly worrisome language by Nick Smith - referring to 'bail out' with respect to ACC - the intention being to capitalise on the common understanding of the AIG situation in the States. This is intended to move the notion/perception of ACC in the eyes of ordinary NZers closer and closer to a private sector insurance model.

It's like saying the government had to 'bail out' the Department of Social Welfare because unemployment benefits had risen, or the government had to 'bail out' the Police because crime had risen.

ACC had a budget shortfall in comparison to its operational costs - it was not 'bailed out'.

Good point Neven. I was unaware that a policy change caused the budget shortfall. What was that policy change?

But, your point illustrates my point even more - ACC is not a business entity - it is a part of our socialised health/welfare service sector and therefore expenditure is subject to policy/political direction.

Therefore, it is unfair of the current Minister to be pointing the finger at its executive/administrators; suggesting if it were a business it would need to be "bailed out". Rather the context of National's argument should be pointing the finger at the previous government for making that costly policy change which you speak of. And indeed, they (National) should move to reverse that policy change.