Source: The Melbourne Age [Letters to the Editor]

TAC case highlights system failure

IT WAS disturbing to read of a TAC claim being taken to VCAT by a young man left a quadriplegic after a mysterious cycling accident (The Age, 13/9).

While the TAC's objection rested on whether or not a car had been involved in the accident, this case is another indictment of Victoria's lack of a comprehensive catastrophic injury insurance scheme. Had such a scheme been in place, the time, effort and significant monies both sides had to invest in defending their respective positions could have been better directed to delivering the rehabilitation and lifetime supports this young man is now going to need.

Leaving how an injury is received to determine the response will only ensure more young Victorians face life in an aged care nursing home. Developing a sustainable and equitable lifetime care scheme for catastrophic injuries is the answer and the Government needs to act before the next young Victorian is forced down this pointless path.

Dr Bronwyn Morkham, national director, Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance