Dear Andrew Bayly,

I am making a request under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 4th Edition, used by ACC in impairment assessments.

1. How many complaints have been received in relation to the use of the word "retard" or any other derogatory or outdated language in this guide?

2. Were these complaints made by:

Members of the public?

Medical professionals?

Politicians or public figures?

3. What actions, if any, have been taken by ACC or the Ministry to address or correct this language?

4. Have any of the complaints resulted in official responses, amendments, or reviews of the guide’s use in ACC assessments?

Given the offensive and outdated nature of such terminology, I believe this matter is of public interest and would appreciate a response within the required statutory timeframe.

Yours faithfully,
A. skeptical

Dear Andrew Bayly,

Can I ask why my request is being ignored?

Yours faithfully,

A. Skeptical

Dear Minister Bayly,
On 10 July 2025, I made an Official Information Act request regarding the use of derogatory language in the AMA Guides 4th Edition used by ACC.
The statutory deadline for a response has now passed without a decision or extension being communicated to me.
Please be advised that this constitutes a deemed refusal under section 28(3) of the OIA.
If I do not receive a response within 5 working days, I will lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman.

Yours sincerely,

A. Skeptical