About the MAC Scheme
The MAC Scheme is a no-fault scheme that provides benefits to people injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents in the Northern Territory.
Motor Accidents Compensation Scheme (MAC Scheme)
The MAC Scheme provides support to people injured in a motor vehicle accident in the Northern Territory, regardless of who was at fault in causing the accident.
Coverage for road users
MAC covers all road users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorbike riders and cyclists. Territory residents are also covered when interstate if a Northern Territory registered vehicle is involved in the accident, regardless of who is at fault in causing the accident.
Purpose of MAC
The MAC Scheme exists to help people:
- recover from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident
- to regain control of their lives after they have been injured
- to return to work after an injury.
MAC Scheme benefits
The MAC Scheme provides periodic compensation benefits for medical treatment and other supports. Rather than paying a one-time, lump sum compensation amount for injuries, MAC Scheme benefits are available for as long necessary and reasonable; sometimes for life, for those with permanent, life changing injuries.
MAC Scheme benefits may include:
- The necessary and reasonable costs of attendant care
- Medical treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Payments for loss of earning capacity
- Payment of lump sum death and permanent impairment benefits
How the MAC Scheme is funded
The MAC Scheme is funded by Northern Territory motorists through a portion of their motor vehicle registration charges, which are indexed annually on 1 July.
To determine the amount of reserves that need to be set aside in the MAC Fund to meet the cost of future claims, the MAC Scheme’s liabilities are reviewed by its appointed actuary twice a year.
There is a legislative requirement for an actuarial review every three years to ensure that the contributions and indexation methodology are sufficient to cover claims administration expenses and support the capital requirement of the MAC Scheme. It also examines the accident experience of different vehicle classes and whether the relative premium rates they are charged remains appropriate.
Claims administration
MAC Claims are administered by TIO, who specialises in injury management and is appointed by the MACC. MACC has oversight of TIO's performance as the Scheme's appointed claims manager to ensure that it exercises a high degree of skill and judgement to deliver professional claims management services in accordance with applicable legislation and good industry practice.
