Gerry Brownlee
Opposition ACC Spokesperson

10 February 2000

Cullen must front up to ACC select committee

Michael Cullen must front up to the ACC select committee to explain the changes he is planning to the ACC legislation, Opposition ACC spokesperson Gerry Brownlee said today.

"Dr Cullen seems to be changing the Bill behind the scenes while the select committee is still considering it.

"Dr Cullen's admission today that premium setting based on broad industry categories is unfair is the first acknowledgement that the ideologues in the Government caucus are losing ground.

"If Dr Cullen thinks industry categories are unfair he should leave the current law in place. Private insurers currently calculate risk rating on an individual basis which Dr Cullen admits would be a problem for ACC.

"He has to front up to the select committee and come clean on what he's planning.

"National Party MPs will be seeking agreement from the select committee to invite Dr Cullen to attend as soon as possible.

"It is only fair and democratic for the Minister to ensure the select committee and people coming to it have all the information available to give due and proper consideration to the Bill."

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