25 June 2024
Sue
[FYI request #27017 email]
Kia ora Sue
Time Extension of your Official Information Act request, reference: GOV-032639
Thank you for your email of 27 May 2024, asking for the fol owing information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act):
I request a list of ACC's policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, processes and other documents for:
(A) contracting external legal counsel to represent ACC in disputes with claimants, and
(B) notification to claimant of ACC having contracted external legal counsel and the limits of the
external legal counsel's representation, and
(C) ACC employees cc'ing external legal counsel into communications to the claimant about matters
that are not under review or before the Court.
The Code says you will provide honest and accurate answers to claimant's questions. I am a
claimant.
Please explain specify which of ACC's policies, processes, rules, guidelines or other documents,
advise employees to cc external legal counsel in email correspondence with claimants, when that
correspondence is not related to decision that was referred to review or a matter before the Court,
and how that document is consistent with ACC's obligations under the Code (right 1, 2, 5, 6, 7) and
the Privacy Act (IPP 3, IPP 5, IPP 11).
ACC needs extra time
The Act requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no later than 20 working days after the
day we received your request. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to meet that time limit and we are
therefore writing to notify you of an extension of the time to make our decision, to 24 July 2024.
This extension is necessary because consultations necessary to make a decision on your request are such
that a proper response cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.
If you are not happy with this response
You have the right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman. Information about how to do this is available
a
t www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or by phoning 0800 802 602
Ngā mihi
Christopher Johnston
Manager Official Information Act Services
Government Engagement
