The Lifetime Support Scheme (LSS) was established through a life changing piece of legislation that resulted in a fundamental shift in the way people seriously injured on SA roads are supported.

The LSS provides streamlined access to care that was not previously available to all seriously injured road users. People who sustained serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident prior to 1 July 2014 did not qualify for compensation unless another party was responsible.

This Scheme was introduced by the Labor Government and spearheaded by the then Minister for Health, Jack Snelling.

At the time, seriously injured people could only seek compensation if there was someone to blame for the accident. If a driver swerved to avoid hitting a kangaroo or simply lost control of their vehicle in bad weather conditions, they were not able to seek compensation.

Prior to the introduction of the LSS, each year approximately 40% of very seriously injured people in motor vehicle accidents were left without compensation because there was no-one else at fault. Where compensation was available, funding may have been insufficient to cover the cost of lifetime treatment, care and support, and there were often significant payment delays while the claim progressed through the legal system.

From 1 July 2014, seriously injured people in motor vehicle accidents, experienced a very different and better supported future.

With the introduction of the LSS, the Lifetime Support Authority (LSA ) now provides support to seriously injured people and their families at a time of significant distress and adjustment in their lives. The LSS is set up to enable people to enter the Scheme quickly and receive the treatment, care, and support they need for their lifetime. Thanks to this support, participants can focus on progressing their recovery and return to daily life.

The Scheme’s person-centred approach enables participants to focus on their recovery, knowing that the Lifetime Support Authority (LSA) is familiar with their individual story, needs and goals and will provide the treatment, care, and support they need for their lifetime.

The LSA takes a person-centred approach to ensure that Lifetime Support Scheme (LSS) participants are at the centre of everything we do. This means that participants, family and friends play an active role in their rehabilitation. This includes the choice of service providers, monitoring progress towards personal goals and outcomes to enhance the quality of life and be given the opportunity to participate and contribute to their own social and economic life.

Over the last 10 years the LSA has delivered better long-term outcomes and quality of life for individuals who suffer life-changing injuries, as well as their families. The LSA has provided treatment, care, and support to 336 LSS participants with a brain injury, 63 with a spinal cord injury, 63 with amputation and 4 with burns. The LSA has worked tirelessly to ensure that each participant receives the necessary assistance to lead the life of their choice.

Since the Scheme’s inception, the LSS has made a positive difference in the lives of 466 participants.

The LSA hosted a special event to acknowledge the Scheme’s 10-year anniversary at the Adelaide Pavilion on Wednesday 4 September 2024.

This exclusive event provided a unique opportunity to bring together individuals involved with setting up a no-fault motor vehicle injury scheme in South Australia, as well as those who played a key role in the LSA’s journey over the last decade.

The LSA welcomed 70 guests including current and former LSA Board and staff members, current and former members of parliament, allied health service providers, LSS participants and key partners in road safety and road trauma injury. Guests enjoyed entertainment by musician and former LSS participant, Dieter Horvat, before the formal presentations kicked off.

Jack Buckskin commenced the official proceedings with a Welcome to Country including a didgeridoo performance. We welcomed guest speakers the honourable Stephen Mullighan MP, Treasurer and Minister for Defence and Space Industries, and the honourable Jack Snelling, former Treasurer and Minister for Health, who shared their reflections on the introduction of the Scheme. The LSA Chief Executive, Rick Howe, shared a powerful comparison of what the LSA and Scheme looked like in its first year of operation, compared to what we see today.

In recognition of the synergies between the LSA and key partner Brain Injury SA (BISA) and more than 70% of LSS participants are living with a brain injury, we welcomed BISA CEO, Liz Forsyth. Liz presented the Brain Injury Awareness Week Gallery Exhibition Awards to two talented artists living with a brain injury.

Following the formal presentations, a LSS participant in the room delivered an impromptu and moving speech thanking the LSA for their support over the years.

The mix of presentations from MPs, key partners and participants was a powerful representation of the economic and social benefits of the Scheme over the past decade. The unique perspectives of the diverse range of guests in the room fuelled many engaging conversations and connections that continued well into the evening.

On Wednesday 4 September 2024 all LSA staff came together for a special 10-year anniversary staff meeting. It was a great opportunity for staff to take time out of their busy schedules to connect and recognise this milestone.

We welcomed guest speaker and member of the original LSA Board, Ken Williams, to share his reflections on the LSA’s early days. The LSA Chief Executive, Rick Howe, shared a powerful comparison of what the LSA and Scheme looked like in its first year, compared to what we see today.

We also invited a panel of three individuals with a lived experience of disability to answer staff questions. Their insights equipped staff with a greater understanding of the challenges people living with a disability face and how we can better support LSS participants.

The afternoon closed with the Executive team sharing their vision for what the LSA will look in the future