Cyclists injured in accidents with stationary vehicles will now be able to access Transport Accident Commission (TAC) benefits following Andrews Labor Government reforms passed by Victorian Parliament last night.
Previously, cyclists were 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, but not in other circumstances.
As a result of the changes to the Transport Accident Act (1986), any cyclist injured by an accident with a stationary vehicle will be eligible for TAC benefits.
Closing this loophole will ensure people like Richard (Rory) Wilson get the 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 amendment is retrospective and will cover Rory and any cyclist who has experienced a similar accident since 9 July 2014.
This extension of TAC coverage is part of a broader package of improvements to benefits for Victorians injured in transport accidents.
Changes include extending the travel and accommodation allowance for family members to attend hospital when someone is injured and paying income support to parents who need to be by the bedside of their injured children.
Other 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 also provides 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 Labor 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 will ensure the benefits that Victorians injured on our roads receive are fair and in line with community expectations.”
“This is another example of how we are listening to the community and creating a fairer Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to TAC Chief Executive Officer Joe Calafiore
“These changes close the gap in eligibility for cyclists and provide more support for people injured on Victorian roads, helping get their lives back on track.”
“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.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020