Cyclists and all Victorians to benefit from TAC changes

Published date: 07 Jun 2018

Cyclists injured in accidents with stationary vehicles will be able to access Transport Accident Commission (TAC) benefits under new legislation introduced into the Victorian Parliament.

Under current legislation, cyclists are only entitled to receive TAC support if they hit a moving vehicle, a car door or a stationary vehicle on the way to or from work.

The Bill will ensure people like Richard (Rory) Wilson get support they need. Rory hit a parked truck when riding with friends in 2014 and suffered significant injuries – injuries he still lives with today.

If Rory was riding to work, he would have been eligible for cover under TAC, but he was not.

The Bill introduced by the Victorian Government today will close this loophole, extending TAC benefits to any cyclist injured by accidents with stationary vehicles. The amendment will be retrospective and cover Rory and any cyclist who has experienced a similar accident since 9 July 2014.

The Bill also extends the travel and accommodation allowance for family members to attend hospital when someone is injured, and pay income support to parents who need to be by the bedside of their injured children.

Other proposed changes include extending family-related benefits to grandparents, extending benefits for dependent children to those completing an apprenticeship and increasing the cap on travel and accommodation from $10,000 to $20,000 for immediate family to attend hospital for distances greater than 100 kilometres.

The Treasury and Finance Bill Legislation Amendment 2018 will also provide for an additional four weeks attendant care for clients who need to travel overseas for work.

The extension of TAC coverage is part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing improvements to benefit Victorians injured in transport accidents, including restoration of access to mental injury claims and removal of the requirement to pay a medical excess of $651 before the TAC pays for non-hospital treatment.

The Bill will also lead to changes to improve the operation of WorkSafe and its compensation arrangements.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott

“These changes close the gap in TAC eligibility for cyclists, ensuring they receive the support they deserve if they are injured on our roads.”

“We have listened to the community and are making changes that are fair for all Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to TAC Chief Executive Officer Joe Calafiore

“The TAC is here to support people injured on Victorian roads to get their lives back on track after their accidents.”

“We encourage any cyclist who has had a collision with a stationary vehicle, to call the TAC to see if they are eligible to make a claim.”