Reported ACC sackings

ATTENTION: HEALTH REPORTER
MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,
MONDAY 9 MARCH 2009

“Rumoured Sacking Of Both Acc Chair And Union Representative Politically Motivated”

“Reports that the government to sack the Chair of the ACC, Ross Wilson, and also remove the one union representative on the ACC board appear to be politically motivated designed undermine the principles of accident compensation,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“It is difficult to think of anyone more qualified to be the ACC Chair than Ross Wilson. His competence and his understanding of the principles and operation of New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme are outstanding. Over the past 10 years no-one has done more to promote the cause of workplace safety through the successful establishment of the system of workplace safety delegates. Few people are as well respected across the business, union and legal sectors.”

“The only reason for sacking Mr Wilson as ACC Chair would be because the government has a hidden agenda to undermine the principles of our successful accident compensation scheme.”

“Also concerning is the rumour that the Council of Trade Unions’ nominee Wayne Butson is to be sacked. Mr Butson is the only board member representing unions and brings considerable insights because of his experience in the accident risk area of rail and sea transport. He has been at the forefront of achieving workplace safety. His unique expertise should not be lost.”

“ACC’s financial difficulties are a false excuse. They are due overwhelmingly to the global economic recession. Blaming Mr Wilson and the ACC board for these financial difficulties is rather like blaming the government for the increase in unemployment and New Zealand’s deteriorating economy since the last election.”

“The Prime Minister has prided himself as wanting a government that embraces a wide range of New Zealanders regardless of whether they are political loyalists. Those who seek to remove Ross Wilson and Wayne Butson from the ACC board seek to abandon this goal” concluded Mr Powell.

Ian Powell
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ENDS