The Labour-Alliance Government’s ACC reforms have run into trouble, MP for Hamilton East, Tony Steel, said today.

“The new Government is facing massive opposition to its plans to re-nationalise accident insurance.

“It is being told at every turn to give the current system a fair go.

“It isn’t just the usual business orientated groups who are worried about the changes. It is everyday people running small businesses, charities, and churches.

“The current system and the introduction of competition has led to financial rewards in return for fewer accidents. The premiums employers now pay reflect their own accident record, not someone else’s.

“The most startling fact about the current ACC system is not the money saved, but the increased focus on workplace safety. While it is early days yet, so far the number of workplace deaths has halved and accidents are down by 40%.

“It’s estimated the new system will save between $200-$300 million a year.

“Farmers have saved about $16 million, the Meat Industry about $20 million, the Dairy Board has saved about $2.4 million.

“The Interchurch working party also wants the existing scheme left alone. The Presbyterian and Methodist Churches have saved $650,000, and the Anglican Church estimates 35-50% savings. All this money was being spent on helping people in the community. The Salvation Army estimates $200,000 savings and Women’s Refuge $100,000.

“National and a lot of others just want the current ACC system to be given a fair go.

“As Labour continues to refuse to listen to what people think it becomes more and more obvious that the changes are just ideologically driven.”

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