The Government is considering opening ACC's work account to private competition as part of a deal to get ACT's backing for its stalled reforms.

In a sign of National's sensitivity on the issue, ACC Minister Nick Smith's office refused to comment yesterday on any talks between the parties.

But ACT leader Rodney Hide confirmed he had put a proposal to National and expected a reply early next week.

It is understood ACT is offering to back the ACC reform bill if National pledges progress on its own election promise to "investigate opening the work account to competition".

Employers and the self-employed make contributions to the work account to cover work-related injuries.

Mr Hide was confident a deal could be struck. "They've gone away and then we will pick it up next week. I don't think there will be any problems."

National also said it was committed to competition and choice as the best way to ensure ACC's efficiency.

Mr Hide said private sector competition would be "ACT's way".

"National agree with it philosophically. It's hard for them to argue against, philosophically."

Labour leader Phil Goff said an agreement on Mr Hide's terms would amount to privatisation.

Dr Smith's proposed bill would push out the date for fully funding the scheme by five years to 2019, lift levies and trim some entitlements. It needs to be passed by February to stop even bigger fee rises.

Progress stalled this week after the Government took urgency in Parliament but was forced to shelve debate on ACC because it did not have the numbers to pass the bill.

If talks with ACT fail, National's other option is to seek Maori Party backing. A spokesman said Maori Party MPs would consider the issue at Tuesday's caucus meeting.

The party is likely to want a softer line on cuts to wage compensation entitlements, especially for seasonal workers.

A spokesman for Dr Smith declined all comment yesterday, and would not confirm whether any talks with other parties were planned or were under way.

Earlier in the week Dr Smith said consideration of opening the scheme to competition was not a priority.

But Prime Minister John Key said yesterday there were valid arguments to look at the idea, and it was in his party's policy. "We haven't conducted that yet. Let's see how things go."

Government insiders confirmed there was some "back and forth" of proposals between National and its support parties.