295 - parliament of fiji

295

ACCIDENT COMPENSATION ACT 2017(ACT NO. 40 OF 2017)

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SECTIONS

PART 1—PRELIMINARY

1. Short title and commencement 2. Interpretation 3. Act to bind the State

PART 2—ACCIDENT COMPENSATION COMMISSION FIJI

4. Accident Compensation Commission Fiji 5. Meetings of the Commission 6. Appointmentofthechiefexecutiveofficer 7. Functionsofthechiefexecutiveofficer 8. Staff of the Commission 9. Powers and functions of the Commission 10. Guidelines and directions 11. Delegation 12. Funding,financialreportingandauditofaccounts 13. Annual report 14. Disclosure of interest 15. Commissiontomaintainconfidentiality 16. Validityofactsanddecisions 17. Protectionfromliability

PART 3—ACCIDENT COMPENSATION

18. Accident compensation 19. No fault compensation scheme 20. Application for compensation 21. Consideration of application 22. Decision of the Commission 23. Acceptance of compensation offered under the no fault compensation scheme 24. Acceptanceofcompensationtobebartoanyproceeding 25. Non-acceptance of compensation under the no fault compensation scheme 26. Commission to consider proceeding 27. Non-acceptance of compensation offered under section 26 28. Proceedingforpersonalinjuryordeathinacourtortribunal 29. Commissiontosatisfyjudgments

PART 4—ACCIDENT COMPENSATION FUND

30. Accident Compensation Fund

296

PART 5—MISCELLANEOUS

31. Repeal 32. Transitional 33. Claims under the repealed Act 34. Offences 35. Regulations 36. Power to amend Schedule 37. Consequential amendments

SCHEDULE—ACCIDENTS

297

TO ESTABLISH THE ACCIDENT COMPENSATION COMMISSION FIJI AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF PERSONS WHO SUFFER PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT IN FIJI AND FOR RELATED MATTERS

ENACTEDbytheParliamentoftheRepublicofFiji—

PART 1—PRELIMINARYShort title and commencement

1. —(1) ThisActmaybecitedastheAccidentCompensationAct2017.

(2) ThisActcomesintoforceonadateordatesappointedbytheMinisterbynoticein the Gazette.

Interpretation2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

“accident” means an accident which is set out in the Schedule;

“Accident Compensation Fund” means the Accident Compensation Fund established under section 30;

ACT NO. 40 OF 2017

I assent.

J. K. KONROTE President

[14July2017]

AN ACT

298 Accident Compensation—40 of 2017

“applicant” means a person who, whether on behalf of the person or another person,makesanapplicationforcompensationforanypersonalinjuryordeath as a result of an accident in Fiji, and—

(a) in thecaseof anapplication for compensation forpersonal injurysufferedbyachild,meanstheparentorlegalguardianofthechild;

(b) in thecaseof anapplication for compensation forpersonal injurysuffered by a person who is incapable of making an applicationbecause of a mental disorder, mental illness or being of unsound mind,meansthelegallyappointedrepresentativeofthatperson;

(c) in thecaseof anapplication for compensation forpersonal injurysuffered by a personwho is for some reason unable tomake theapplication himself or herself, means the legally appointedrepresentative of that person; and

(d) in the case of an application for compensation for death of a person, means the personal representative of that person under the Succession, Probate and Administration Act 1970;

“child”meansanypersonwhoisundertheageof18years;

“Commission” means the Accident Compensation Commission Fiji established under section 4;

“judgment”includesajudgmentoranorderofacourtortribunal,anyordersbyconsentofthepartiesandanyoutofcourtsettlementbetweenthepartieson the quantum of damages or compensation for liability, interests andcosts;

“Minister” means the Minister responsible for justice;

“no fault compensation scheme” means the no fault compensation scheme established under section 19;

“personalinjury”,unlessotherwisedefinedinregulationsmadeunderthisAct,meansaphysicalorbodilyinjuryincludinganyimpairmentorloss,lossofuse,orderangementofanybodypart,organsystemororganfunction;and

“repealedAct”meanstheMotorVehicles(ThirdPartyInsurance)Act1948.

Act to bind the State3. This Act binds the State.

PART 2—ACCIDENT COMPENSATION COMMISSION FIJIAccident Compensation Commission Fiji

4.—(1) This section establishes the Accident Compensation Commission Fiji.

Accident Compensation—40 of 2017 299

(2) TheCommissionisabodycorporatewithperpetualsuccessionandacommonseal,andiscapableofholdingrealandpersonalproperty,andofsuingandbeingsued,andofdoingandsufferingallsuchotheractsandthingsasabodycorporatemaylawfullydo and suffer.

(3) TheCommission consists of a chairperson, a deputy chairperson and 3 othermemberstobeappointedbytheMinisterfollowingconsultationwiththePrimeMinister.

(4) EverymemberoftheCommissionholdsofficeforatermof3years,andiseligiblefor reappointment.

(5) TheMinistermayappointapersontoactasamemberoftheCommissionduringanyperiod,orduringallperiods,whenthememberisabsentfromdutyorfromFijioris,foranyotherreason,unabletoperformthefunctionsofoffice.

(6) EverymemberoftheCommissionisentitledtosuchremunerationandallowancesasmaybefixedbytheMinisterfollowingconsultationwiththePrimeMinister.

(7) AnymemberoftheCommissionmayresignfromhisorherofficeatanytimebygiving notice in writing to the Minister.

(8) AnymemberoftheCommissionmayberemovedfromofficeatanytimebytheMinisterforanyreason,includingonthegroundsofinabilitytoperformthefunctionsofoffice,bankruptcy,neglectofdutyormisconduct,provedtothesatisfactionoftheMinister.

(9) ThepowersoftheCommissionarenotaffectedbyanyvacancyinitsmembership.

Meetings of the Commission5.—(1) Meetings of the Commission must be held at such times and places as the

chairperson appoints.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the chairperson must preside at each meeting of the Commission.

(3) IntheeventoftheabsenceofthechairpersonfromanymeetingoftheCommission,thedeputychairpersonmustpresideatthatmeeting,andifboththechairpersonandthedeputychairpersonareabsent,themeetingmustbepresidedoverbyamemberwhoisnominatedbythechairpersonandfailinganysuchnomination,themeetingmustbepresidedoverbyamemberappointedbythememberspresent.

(4) Atallmeetingsof theCommission, thequorumnecessary for the transactionofbusiness of the Commission is 3 members.

(5) Allquestionsarisingatanymeetingof theCommissionmustbedecidedbyamajorityofvotesofthemembersoftheCommissionpresentatthemeeting.

(6) At a meeting of the Commission, the chairperson and all members of the Commissionpresenthavetherighttovote,andinthecaseofanequalityofvotes,thechairperson, or in the absence of the chairperson the member presiding, has a casting vote.


(7) AresolutionoftheCommissioninwritingsignedorassentedtobyletter,facsimile,e-mailorsuchotherelectronicmeansasapprovedbytheCommission,byamajorityofthe members of the Commission, is as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meetingoftheCommissiondulycalledandconstituted.

(8) SubjecttothisAct,theCommissionmayregulateitsownproceedings.

Appointment of the chief executive officer6.—(1) TheCommissionmayappointasuitablyqualifiedpersonasthechiefexecutive

officeroftheCommission,inaccordancewithtermsandconditionsdeterminedbytheCommission.

(2) Thechiefexecutiveofficer is tobepaidsuch remunerationandallowancesasdeterminedbytheCommissionandistobeemployedonsuchtermsandconditionsofemploymentasmaybedeterminedbytheCommission.

(3) The chief executive officermay be removed fromoffice at any time by theCommissionforanyreason,includingonthegroundsofinabilitytoperformthefunctionsofoffice,bankruptcy,neglectofdutyormisconduct,provedtothesatisfactionoftheCommission.

Functions of the chief executive officer7.—(1) The chief executive officer is responsible to the Commission for the

management of the Commission.

(2) ThechiefexecutiveofficermustattendeverymeetingoftheCommission,andif thechiefexecutiveofficer, forany reason, isunable toattendameeting, thechiefexecutiveofficermay,inconsultationwiththechairperson,nominateanofficertoattendthe meeting on his or her behalf.

(3) Thechiefexecutiveofficermustnotengageinanyotherbusinesswithoutthepriorapproval of the Commission.

Staff of the Commission 8.—(1) TheCommissionmayappointsuchofficersandemployees,includingacting,

temporaryorcasualofficersandemployees,asitthinksnecessaryfortheefficientexerciseofitspowersandauthorityandperformanceofitsdutiesandfunctions,andmayremoveanyofficeroremployeefromhisorherofficeoremployment.

(2) Officersandemployeesof theCommissionare tobepaidsuch remunerationasdeterminedbytheCommission,andaretobeemployedonsuchtermsandconditionsofemploymentasmaybedeterminedbytheCommission.

(3) TheCommissionmayappointmedical referees,medicalcommittees,specialists,consultants, agents and other persons to assist and advise the Commission in the exercise ofitspowersandauthorityandtheperformanceofitsdutiesandfunctions,andmaypaysuchremunerationtothesepersonsasdeterminedbytheCommission.


Powers and functions of the Commission9. TheCommissionhassuchpowers,authority,dutiesandfunctionsasareprescribed

in this Act.

Guidelines and directions10. TheCommissionmay issue guidelines and directions for the exercise of the

Commission’spowersandauthorityandperformanceoftheCommission’sdutiesandfunctions.

Delegation11.—(1) TheCommissionmayinwriting,eithergenerallyorparticularly,delegateany

ofitspowers,authority,dutiesandfunctionstoitsofficers,employees,agentsorconsultantsasitthinksfit.

(2) EverydelegationunderthissectionisrevocableatwillbytheCommission,andnosuchdelegationpreventstheexerciseofanyfunctionorpowerbytheCommission.

(3) Anydelegationunderthissection,untilrevoked,continuesinforceaccordingtoitstenornotwithstandingthatalloranyofthemembersoftheCommissionatthetimewhenthedelegationwasmadehasceasedtoholdoffice,andcontinuestohaveeffectasifmadebyasuccessorinoffice.

Funding, financial reporting and audit of accounts12.—(1) Parliament must ensure that adequate funding and resources are made

availabletotheCommissiontoenabletheCommissiontoeffectivelyexerciseitspowersandauthorityandperformitsdutiesandfunctions.

(2) ThefinancialyearoftheCommissioncommenceson1Augustandendson31Julyofthefollowingyear,orasdeterminedbytheMinisterresponsibleforfinance.

(3) The funds of the Commission consist of—

(a) allmonies lawfully received by theCommission under thisAct or anyother written law;

(b) allmoniesappropriatedbyParliamentforthepurposesoftheCommission;and

(c) allothermonieslawfullyreceivedbytheCommission.

(4) The Commission must cause proper accounts to be kept and must, as soon as practicableaftertheendofeachfinancialyear,causetobepreparedforthatfinancialyearastatementofaccountsoftheCommissionwhichmustincludeabalancesheetandan account of income and expenditure.

(5) TheCommissionmust cause the statement of accounts to be audited by theAuditor-General.

(6) TheCommissionmust,assoonaspracticable,sendacopyofthestatementofaccountsandacopyoftheAuditor-General’sreporttotheMinister.


Annual report13. WithoutlimitingtherightoftheCommissiontoreportatanytime,theCommission

must,assoonaspracticableaftertheendofeachfinancialyear,publishanannualreportontheperformanceoftheCommission’sdutiesandfunctionsunderthisActduringtheyear,andmustsubmitacopytotheMinister,whomustcauseittobetabledinParliament.

Disclosure of interest14.—(1) AnymemberoftheCommissionoranyofficer,employee,agentorconsultant

oftheCommissionhavinganyinterestinanymatterunderdiscussionbytheCommissionmust disclose to the Commission the fact and nature of his or her interest.

(2) AnymemberoftheCommissionoranyofficer,employee,agentorconsultantofthe Commission is deemed to have an interest referred to in subsection (1), if his or her spouse,partner,parent,child,adoptedchildorotherimmediatefamilymemberasmaybeprescribedbyregulations,hasaninterestinthematterunderdiscussion.

(3) A disclosure under subsection (1) must be recorded in writing, and, after the disclosure,thememberoftheCommissionortheofficer,employee,agentorconsultantoftheCommissionmustnottakepartinnorbepresentatanydeliberationordecisionof the Commission.

(4) AnymemberoftheCommissionoranyofficer,employee,agentorconsultantofthe Commission who fails to disclose his or her interest as provided under subsection (1)commitsanoffenceandisliableuponconvictiontoafinenotexceeding$10,000orimprisonmentforatermnotexceeding5yearsorboth.

(5) For the purpose of determining the interest to be disclosed under subsection (1), “interest” includes any interest in a business or company, associated company, jointventureorentity.

Commission to maintain confidentiality15.—(1) TheCommission or any officer, employee, agent or consultant of the

Commissionmustnot,directlyorindirectly,makearecordof,discloseorcommunicatetoanypersonanyinformationacquiredintheperformanceofitsfunctionsunderthisAct, unless—

(a) it is necessary to do so for the purposes of, or in connectionwith, theperformanceofadutyorfunctionunderthisAct;

(b) itisnecessarytodosoforthepurposesofproducingadocumentorgivingevidencetoacourtortribunaloranyotherstatutoryentityinthecourseofcivilorcriminalproceedingsunderthisActoranyotherwrittenlaw;or

(c) itisnecessarytodosoforreportingasuspectedoffenceorassistingintheinvestigation of a suspected offence.

(2) Subsection(1)doesnotpreventtheCommissionfromdisclosinginformationtoanyotherStateentityorfromdisclosinginformationormakingastatementtothepublicwithrespect to the performance of the duties and functions of the Commission.


(3) Anypersonwhocontravenesthissectioncommitsanoffenceandisliableuponconvictiontoafinenotexceeding$10,000orimprisonmentforatermnotexceeding5yearsorboth.

Validity of acts and decisions16. An act or decision of the Commission is not invalid because—

(a) ofadefectorirregularityin,orinconnectionwith,theappointmentofamember of the Commission; or

(b) in the case of an acting appointment, the occasion for acting had not arisen or had ceased.

Protection from liability17.—(1) NocivilorcriminalproceedingslieagainsttheCommissionnoranymember,

officer,employee,agentorconsultantoftheCommissionforanythingheorsheoritmaydoor fail to do in the course of the exercise or purported exercise of his or her or its powers andauthorityorperformanceofhisorheroritsdutiesandfunctions,unlessitisshownthat he or she or it did not act in good faith or with reasonable care.

(2) No civil or criminal proceedings lie personally against anymember, officer,employee,agentorconsultantoftheCommissionorotherpersonactingunderthedirectionoftheCommissionforanythingwhichisdoneingoodfaith,ordoneorintendedtobedoneintheexecutionorpurportedexerciseofhisorherpowersandauthorityorperformanceofhisorherdutiesandfunctionsundertheActoranyotherwrittenlaw.

PART 3—ACCIDENT COMPENSATION

Accident compensation18.—(1) Subject to theprovisionsof thisAct,compensationmustbepaidforany

personalinjuryordeathsufferedbyanypersonasaresultofanaccidentinFiji.

(2) TheCommissionmust,inaccordancewiththisAct,paycompensationtoallpersonswhosufferpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFiji.

(3) ThecompensationpayablebytheCommissionunderthisActforanypersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFijiisasfollows—

(a) a lump sum, under the no fault compensation scheme; or

(b) alumpsum,awardedbyajudgment.

No fault compensation scheme19.—(1) This section establishes a no fault compensation scheme for compensation

foranypersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFiji.

(2) Under the no fault compensation scheme, the Commission must make a lump sumpaymentinrespectofpersonalinjuryordeathsufferedbyapersonasaresultofanaccidentinFiji,withouttheneedforanypersontoestablishfaultornegligenceonanypersonfortheaccident,providedhoweverthatthetotalsumpayableascompensationdoesnotexceedthemaximumorfixedamountasprescribedbyregulations.


Application for compensation20.—(1) Anapplicantclaimingcompensationforanypersonalinjuryordeathasa

result of an accident in Fiji, whether for the applicant or on behalf of another person, must make an application for compensation to the Commission in such manner and within the timeprescribedbyregulations.

(2) TheapplicantmustprovidesuchparticularsandinformationasmayberequiredbytheCommission.

(3) If an application for compensation is not made within the prescribed time, the Commissionmay in its discretion extend the time formaking the application if theapplicant satisfies theCommission that thereare reasonablegrounds for thedelay inmaking the application.

(4) ThedecisionoftheCommissionundersubsection(3)isfinalandisnotsubjecttoanyappealorreviewinanycourtortribunal.

Consideration of application21.—(1) Upon receipt of an application for compensation, the Commission must as

soon as practicable consider the application.

(2) Inconsideringanapplication,theCommissionmayrequiretheapplicantoranyother person to provide such particulars and information as the Commission deems necessary,includingparticularsoftheaccidentandparticularsoftheinjuriessustainedbyanypersonfromtheaccident.

(3) Anypersonwhofailstoprovidetherequiredparticularsandinformationundersubsection (2) commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to—

(a) inthecaseofanaturalperson,afinenotexceeding$10,000orimprisonmentforatermnotexceeding5yearsorboth;or

(b) inthecaseofabodycorporate,afinenotexceeding$100,000.

(4) Whereanapplicationforcompensationconcernsapersonalinjury,theCommissionmay,inadditiontoanyparticularsandinformationprovidedintheapplication,requireanypersonwhoisinjuredbytheaccidenttoundergosuchfurthermedicalassessmentastheCommissiondeemsnecessary.

(5) TheCommissionmayrefusecompensationforthepersonalinjuryifthepersonwho is injured fails to undergo further medical assessment under subsection (4).

Decision of the Commission22.—(1) The Commission must, upon considering all relevant particulars and

information, make a decision as soon as practicable on an application for compensation andmustpromptlyinformtheapplicantofthedecisionoftheCommissioninwriting.

(2) ThedecisionoftheCommissionundersubsection(1)isfinalandisnotsubjecttoanyappealorreviewinanycourtortribunal.


(3) If the Commission approves an application for compensation, the Commission mustinitsdecisionprescribetheamountpayablebytheCommissionascompensationforthepersonalinjuryordeathunderthenofaultcompensationscheme.

Acceptance of compensation offered under the no fault compensation scheme23.—(1) If the applicant accepts the decision of the Commission and the amount

prescribedby theCommission in itsdecisionascompensation forpersonal injuryordeathunderthenofaultcompensationscheme,theapplicantmustconveytheapplicant’sacceptanceofthedecisioninwritingtotheCommission,withinthetimeprescribedbyregulations.

(2) Iftheapplicantdoesnotconveytheapplicant’sacceptanceoftheCommission’sdecisioninwritingtotheCommissionwithintheprescribedtime,theCommissionmayinitsdiscretionextendthetimeforacceptanceiftheapplicantsatisfiestheCommissionthattherearereasonablegroundsforthedelayinconveyingtheapplicant’sacceptance,andiftheapplicantdoesnotconveytheapplicant’sacceptancewithinsuchprescribedor extended time, then the applicant is deemed to have not accepted the decision of the Commission.

(3) Uponreceiptofthedecisioninwritingbytheapplicanttoacceptthecompensationforpersonalinjuryordeathunderthenofaultcompensationscheme,theCommissionmustassoonaspracticablepaythecompensationtotheapplicantortothepersonwhois entitled to receive the compensation.

(4) IfthepaymentofcompensationbytheCommissionunderthenofaultcompensationschemeisinrespectofanypersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFijiwhichiscoveredunderapolicyofinsuranceissuedbyaninsurancecompany,thentheinsurancecompanymustpaytotheCommissionsuchamountpaidoutbytheCommissionunderthenofaultcompensationschemewithinthetimeprescribedbyregulations,providedhoweverthattheinsurancecompanyisonlyrequiredtopaysuchamountasiscoveredunderthepolicyofinsurance.

Acceptance of compensation to be bar to any proceeding24.—(1) Theacceptanceofcompensationforpersonalinjuryordeathundertheno

faultcompensationschemeisanabsolutebartoanyproceeding,claimoractioninanycourtortribunalagainsttheCommissionoranyotherpersonfordamagesorcompensationforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultoftheaccidentforwhichthecompensationwasacceptedandpaidbytheCommission.

(2) TheCommissionoranyotherpersonagainstwhomdamagesorcompensationisclaimedinanyproceeding,claimoractioninanycourtortribunalisentitledtorelyontheacceptanceofcompensationpaidbytheCommissionforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFijitoapplyforanorderfromthecourtortribunalforthetermination of such proceeding, claim or action, and the court or tribunal must grant the order terminating the proceeding, claim or action.


Non-acceptance of compensation under the no fault compensation scheme25.—(1) If an applicant, having made an application for compensation to the

Commission, decides not to accept the decision of the Commission and the amount prescribedby theCommission in itsdecisionascompensation forpersonal injuryordeathunderthenofaultcompensationscheme,thenaproceeding,claimoractionmaybeinstitutedinacourtortribunalforcompensationforthepersonalinjuryordeathundercommon law.

(2) Nothing in this Act affects the operation of the Limitation Act 1971 with respect toanyproceeding,claimoractionforcompensationforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresult of an accident in Fiji.

Commission to consider proceeding26.—(1) Where anypersonhas instituted anyproceeding, claimor action in any

court or tribunal, whether for the person or on behalf of another person, for damages or compensationforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFiji,withoutmakingan application for compensation to the Commission, the Commission must, as soon as practicable upon being served with the particulars of the proceeding, claim or action—

(a) consider the proceeding, claim or action;

(b) make a decision on whether to award compensation under the no fault compensation scheme;

(c) promptlyinformtheapplicantofthedecisionoftheCommissioninwriting;and

(d) if the Commission decides to offer compensation under the no fault compensationscheme,prescribetheamountpayablebytheCommissionin its decision.

(2) If the Commission makes a decision and offers compensation under the no fault compensation scheme and the person instituting the proceeding, claim or action accepts the Commission’s offer, the person instituting the proceeding, claim or action must conveyacceptanceoftheofferinwritingtotheCommissionwithinthetimeprescribedbyregulationsandtheCommissionmustassoonaspracticablepaythecompensationtothe person instituting the proceeding, claim or action or to the person who is entitled to receive the compensation.

(3) Where anypersonhas instituted anyproceeding, claimor action in any courtor tribunal, whether for the person or on behalf of another person, for damages or compensationforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFijiandsubsequentlyaccepts compensation from the Commission under the no fault compensation scheme, then the acceptance of the compensation from the Commission under the no fault compensation scheme has the effect of terminating the proceeding, claim or action.


(4) IfthepaymentofcompensationbytheCommissionunderthenofaultcompensationschemeisinrespectofanypersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFijiwhichiscoveredunderapolicyofinsuranceissuedbyaninsurancecompany,thentheinsurancecompanymustpaytotheCommissionsuchamountpaidoutbytheCommissionunderthenofaultcompensationschemewithinthetimeprescribedbyregulations,providedhoweverthattheinsurancecompanyisonlyrequiredtopaysuchamountasiscoveredunderthepolicyofinsurance.

(5) In considering a proceeding, claim or action, theCommissionmay requirethe applicant or anyother person to provide suchparticulars and information as theCommissiondeemsnecessary,includingparticularsoftheaccidentandparticularsoftheinjuriessustainedbyanypersonfromtheaccident.

(6) Anypersonwhofailstoprovidetherequiredparticularsandinformationundersubsection (5) commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to—



Non-acceptance of compensation offered under section 2627.—(1) Ifanyperson—

(a) hasinstitutedanyproceeding,claimoractioninacourtortribunal,whetherfor the person or on behalf of another person, for damages or compensation forpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFijiwithoutmakingan application for compensation to the Commission;

(b) has received an offer from the Commission for compensation under the no fault compensation scheme; and

(c) decides not to accept the decision of the Commission and the amount prescribed by the Commission in its decision as compensation for thepersonalinjuryordeathunderthenofaultcompensationscheme,

thenthatpersonisentitledtocontinuewiththeproceeding,claimoractioninstitutedbythepersoninacourtortribunalforcompensationforthepersonalinjuryordeathundercommon law.

(2) Nothing in this Act affects the operation of the Limitation Act 1971 with respect toanyproceeding,claimoractionforcompensationforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresult of an accident in Fiji.

Proceeding for personal injury or death in a court or tribunal28.—(1) Anypersonwhoinstitutesaproceeding,claimoractioninacourtortribunal,

whether for the person or on behalf of another person, which seeks to claim damages or compensationforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFijimustserveacopyofallpleadingsanddocumentsontheCommission.


(2) Anypersonagainstwhomaproceeding,claimoractionisinstitutedinacourtortribunalfordamagesorcompensationforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccident in Fiji must—

(a) immediatelynotifytheCommissionandprovidetheCommissionwithallpleadings and documents;

(b) provide all such other particulars or information and take all such steps as theCommissionmayrequire;and

(c) not, without the written consent of the Commission, make any offer,promise,paymentorsettlementoranyadmissionofliabilityorquantumofdamagesorcompensationinanysuchproceeding,claimoraction,andtheCommissionisnotboundbyanysuchoffer,promise,paymentorsettlementoranyadmissionofliabilityorquantumofdamagesorcompensation.

(3) Nocourtortribunalistohearordetermineormakeanyordersinanyproceeding,claimoractionfordamagesorcompensationforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFijiuntilthecourtortribunalissatisfiedthattheCommissionhasbeenservedwithallthepleadingsanddocumentsinrespectofanysuchproceeding,claimoractionandhasbeengivenanopportunitytoappearin,beheardandtodefendanysuchproceeding, claim or action.

(4) TheCommissionmay—

(a) undertake settlement of any proceeding, claim or action in a court ortribunal against any person for damages or compensation for personalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFiji;

(b) takeovertheconductandcontrolofanysuchproceeding,claimoractionin a court or tribunal; and

(c) defend or conduct any such proceeding, claim or action in a court ortribunal,

andthepersonagainstwhomanysuchproceeding,claimoractioninacourtortribunalis instituted is deemed to have authorised the Commission to have conduct and control ofanysuchproceeding,claimoraction.

(5) Acourtortribunal,withrespecttoanyproceeding,claimoractionfordamagesorcompensationforpersonalinjuryasaresultofanaccidentinFijimust,uponanapplicationbytheCommission,requireanypersonwhoisinjuredbyanysuchaccidenttoundergosuch medical examination as the Commission requires in order to ascertain the nature and extentofinjuriessustainedbythatperson,andwherethepersonrefusesorfailstoattendanysuchmedicalexamination,thecourtortribunalmuststayanysuchproceeding,claimor action until such time when the person undergoes the medical examination.


Commission to satisfy judgments29.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, where a judgment is issued or delivered

inFijiawardingcompensationforanypersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFiji,theCommissionmustpaytothepersonentitledtothebenefitofsuchjudgmentanysumpayablethereunderincludinganyamountpayableinrespectofcostsandthesumpayablebyvirtueofanywrittenlawinrespectofinterestonthatsum.

(2) Nosum ispayableby theCommissionunder subsection (1) in respectof anyjudgmentwhileexecutionthereonisstayedpendinganappeal.

(3) TheCommissionisnotliabletomakeanypaymentwithrespecttoanyjudgmentofanyforeigncourtortribunalawardingcompensationtoanypersonforanypersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFiji.

(4) WhereajudgmentisobtainedinrespectofliabilityofanypersonforanypersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofanaccidentinFijiandwheresuchliabilityiscoveredunderapolicyofinsuranceissuedbyaninsurancecompany,thentheCommissionmustsatisfythejudgmentinaccordancewiththissection,andtheinsurancecompanymustpaytotheCommissionsuchamountpaidoutbytheCommissionwithinthetimeprescribedbyregulations,providedhoweverthattheinsurancecompanyisonlyrequiredtomakesuchpaymentasiscoveredunderthepolicyofinsurance.

PART 4—ACCIDENT COMPENSATION FUNDAccident Compensation Fund

30.—(1) This section establishes a fund to be known as the Accident Compensation Fundforthepaymentofcompensationforpersonalinjuryanddeathasaresultofanaccident in Fiji.

(2) The Accident Compensation Fund consists of—

(a) levies thatarepayablebyanypersonunderregulationsmadeunder thisActorunderanyotherwrittenlaw;

(b) all interest and other income derived from themoney and investmentscomprising the Accident Compensation Fund;

(c) allmonieswhichareappropriatedbyParliamentforthepurposesoftheAccident Compensation Fund; and

(d) allmonieswhich are lawfully received for theAccident CompensationFund,includingunderanyotherwrittenlaw.

(3) TheAccidentCompensationFundmust be administered andmanagedby thepermanentsecretaryresponsibleforfinance.

(4) Thepermanentsecretaryresponsibleforfinancemay,followingconsultationwiththe Commission and with the agreement of the Minister, enter into arrangements for insurance or reinsurance for the purpose of the Accident Compensation Fund.


(5) Whereanypaymentisrequiredtobemadeforanypersonalinjuryordeathasa result of an accident inFiji, theCommissionmust notify the permanent secretaryresponsibleforfinanceinwritingofthedetailsofthepaymentthatisrequiredtobemade,andthepermanentsecretaryresponsibleforfinance,uponreceivingthenotificationfromtheCommission,mustmakethenecessarypaymentoutoftheAccidentCompensationFund.

(6) Thepermanentsecretaryresponsibleforfinancemustcauseproperaccountstobekeptandmust,assoonaspracticableaftertheendofeachfinancialyear,causetobepreparedforthatfinancialyearastatementofaccountsoftheAccidentCompensationFund which must include a balance sheet and an account of income and expenditure.

(7) The permanent secretary responsible for financemust cause the statement ofaccountstobeauditedbytheAuditor-General.

(8) Thepermanent secretary responsible forfinancemust, as soon as practicable,sendacopyofthestatementofaccountsandacopyoftheAuditor-General’sreporttothe Minister.

(9) Parliament must ensure that adequate funding is made available to the Accident CompensationFundfortheprovisionofcompensationforpersonalinjuryanddeathasa result of an accident in Fiji.

PART 5—MISCELLANEOUSRepeal

31.—(1) TheMotorVehicles(ThirdPartyInsurance)Act1948andtheMotorVehicles(ThirdPartyInsurance)Regulations1949arerepealed.

(2) For the avoidance of doubt, no person is required to obtain insurance in respect of thirdpartyrisksfromaninsurancecompanyundertherepealedActfrom1January2018.

Transitional32.—(1) NotwithstandingtherepealoftherepealedAct,whereapolicyofinsurancein

respectofthirdpartyriskshasbeenissuedtoanypersonbyaninsurancecompanyundertherepealedActbefore1January2018,thenanysuchpolicyofinsurancecontinuestobevalid,andtheinsurancecompanyissuinganysuchpolicyofinsurancemustcontinueto provide insurance cover as required under the repealed Act until the expiration of the policyofinsuranceforanypersonalinjuryordeath.

(2) Before 1 January 2018, any insurance companywhich is approved under therepealedActtoprovideapolicyofinsurancemustofferorprovideapolicyofinsurancetoanypersonapplyingforapolicyofinsuranceinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftherepealed Act.

(3) Apolicyofinsuranceissuedbefore1January2018byaninsurancecompanyunderthe repealed Act must not be cancelled, withdrawn or revoked, except in accordance with the provisions of the repealed Act.


(4) Anypersonwhocontravenesthissectioncommitsanoffenceandisliableuponconviction to—



Claims under the repealed Act33.—(1) Anyproceeding,claimoraction forcompensation forpersonal injuryor

deatharisingfromamotorvehicleaccidentinFijiwhichoccurredbefore1January2018involvingamotorvehiclethatiscoveredbyapolicyofinsuranceundertherepealedActmust be dealt with in accordance with the repealed Act.

(2) AnyclaimforcompensationforpersonalinjuryordeathasaresultofamotorvehicleaccidentinFijiwhichoccurredonorafter1January2018involvingamotorvehiclethatiscoveredbyapolicyofinsuranceundertherepealedActmustbemadebywayofanapplicationtotheCommissioninaccordancewithsection20.

(3) WhereanyclaimismadetotheCommissionundersubsection(2),theCommissionmust,with respect toanyclaimforcompensationundersubsection (2),consideranddeterminetheclaiminaccordancewithPart3,andtheinsurancecompanymustpaytothe Commission such amounts as are required under Part 3.

Offences34.—(1) IfabodycorporatecommitsanoffenceunderthisAct,anofficeralsocommits

theoffenceandisliabletothepenaltyprescribedfortheoffence,whetherornotthebodycorporatehasbeenprosecutedorconvicted,iftheofficerfailedtotakeallreasonablestepstopreventthecommissionoftheoffencebythebodycorporate.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), in determining whether things done or omitted tobedonebyanofficerconstitutereasonablesteps,acourtmusthaveregardto—

(a) whattheofficerknew,oroughttohaveknown,aboutthecommissionoftheoffencebythebodycorporate;

(b) whethertheofficerwasinapositiontoinfluencetheconductofthebodycorporate in relation to the commission of the offence; and

(c) anyotherrelevantmatter.

(3) For thepurposesof this section,“officer”meansadirector,officer,employee,agentorconsultantofthebodycorporate.

Regulations35.—(1) TheMinistermay, following consultationwith theCommission,make

regulationstoprescribemattersthatarerequiredorpermittedbythisActtobeprescribedorarenecessaryorconvenienttobeprescribedforcarryingoutorgivingeffecttothisActandgenerallyforachievingthepurposesofthisAct.


(2) Withoutaffectingthegeneralityofsubsection(1), theMinistermay,followingconsultation with the Commission, make regulations prescribing—

(a) limitations,exclusionsandexemptionstothecompensationpayableunderthis Act;

(b) thetypesofpersonalinjurieswhichareexcludedfromthecompensationpayableunderthisAct;

(c) themaximumorfixed amounts payable to anyperson as compensationunderthenofaultcompensationschemeforanypersonalinjuryordeathas a result of an accident in Fiji;

(d) themaximumorfixed amounts payable to anyperson as compensationundera judgmentofacourtor tribunalawardingcompensation foranypersonalinjuryordeath;

(e) themaximumorfixedamountspayabletoanypersonforexpensesincurredwherethepersonisrequiredbytheCommissiontoundergofurthermedicalassessments;

(f) thelevieswhicharepayableintotheAccidentCompensationFundandthemannerandtimeinwhichanysuchleviesaretobepaid;

(g) the appointment of committees for the purpose of assisting the Commission in the performance of its functions; or

(h) offences and penalties, not exceeding—

(i) inthecaseofanaturalperson,afineof$10,000orimprisonmentforatermof5yearsorboth;or

(ii) inthecaseofabodycorporate,afineof$100,000.

Power to amend Schedule36. TheMinistermay,bynoticeintheGazette,amendtheSchedule.

Consequential amendments37.—(1) TheIncomeTaxAct2015isamendedby—

insection2,deletingthedefinitionof“ThirdPartyInsuranceLevy”;

(b) deleting section 100;

(c) deleting section 135(3);

(d) in section 136—

(i) deleting“orThirdPartyInsuranceLevy”whereveritappears;and

(ii) deleting“,asthecasemaybe,”;and

(e) insection137,deleting“ortheThirdPartyInsuranceLevy”.


(2) TheInsuranceLawReformAct1996isamendedby—

(a) in section 5—

(i) in paragraph (b) after “;”, inserting “and”;

(ii) in paragraph (c), deleting “; and” and substituting “.”; and

(iii) deleting paragraph (d); and

(b) in section 10(4), deleting “, applies and to or in relation to which the Motor Vehicles(ThirdPartyInsurance)Act1948,”.

(3) TheLandTransportAct1998isamendedby—

(a) in section 51(2), deleting “third party insurance” and substituting “theleviespayableundertheAccidentCompensationAct2017”;

(b) in section 52—

(i) in the heading, deleting “third party insurance” and substituting“leviespayableundertheAccidentCompensationAct2017”;and

(ii) in subsection (1), deleting “a premium for third party insurancecover has been paid under the provisions of the relevant Act” and substituting “the levies payable under theAccidentCompensationAct 2017 have been paid”; and

(c) in section 113(2)(g),deleting“haveappropriatethirdpartyinsurance”andsubstituting“payleviesundertheAccidentCompensationAct2017”.

(4) TheNationalFireServiceAct1994isamendedinsection29(1)bydeleting“,includingamotorvehicleinsuredintermsofacontractofcompulsorymotorvehiclepolicyforthepurposesoftheMotorVehicles(ThirdParty)InsuranceAct1948,”.

(5) TheValueAddedTaxAct1991isamendedby—

(a) in section 3(8)—

(i) after “payment received”, inserting “as compensation under theAccident Compensation Act 2017”; and

(ii) in subparagraph (iii), deleting “or theMotorVehicle (Third PartyInsurance) Act 1948”; and

(b) in Schedule 1 in paragraph 1(b)—

(i) in subparagraph (iii), deleting “or theMotorVehicle (Third PartyInsurance) Act 1948; or” and substituting “;”;

(ii) in subparagraph (iv), deleting “,” and substituting “; or”; and

(iii) after subparagraph (iv), inserting the following new subparagraph—

“(v) compensation paid under the Accident Compensation Act 2017,”.


(6) The Financial Transactions Reporting Regulations 2007 is amended in regulation 6bydeleting“thirdpartyinsurancepolicyor”.

(7) TheIncomeTax(RatesofTaxandLevies)Regulations2016isamendedbydeletingparagraph (11) of the Schedule.

(8) TheInsuranceRegulations1998isamendedbydeletingregulation10.

(9) TheLandTransport(Traffic)Regulations2000isamendedinregulation63(1)bydeleting“,itsregistrationnumberandthenameoftheinsurancecompanyresponsibleforthethirdpartyinsurance”andsubstituting“andthevehicle’sregistrationnumber”.

(10) The Land Transport (Vehicles Registration and Construction) Regulations 2000 is amended in regulation 8(1)(d)bydeleting“thirdpartyinsurancepremium”andsubstituting“leviespayableundertheAccidentCompensationAct2017”.


SCHEDULE(Section 2)________

ACCIDENTS

1. AnaccidentcausedbyamotorvehicleinFiji.

PassedbytheParliamentoftheRepublicofFijithis14thdayofJuly2017.

Price:$1.90 S.NAVUNILAWA,GovernmentPrinter,Suva,Fiji—2017 40/Z/17—600Official Printer Since 1883

295 - parliament of fiji

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