24 March 2000

ACC law a 'gonner' under new National Govt.

"The new National Government will overturn the nationalisation of ACC and re-open the door to the financial benefits and safety gains from competition," Opposition ACC spokesperson Gerry Brownlee announced today.

"Labour and the Alliance have forced the re-nationalisation through Parliament against huge opposition from small and medium sized employers, and charity and health groups.

"What Labour has done today is to say that unless the Government does it, it can't be done.

"They today trumpet the passing of the Bill as delivering on an election promise - but there's still no fundamental reason or evidence why it needs to happen.

"What a proud achievement for the new Government - it's rammed through a law against huge opposition and hasn't listened to any of the concerns.

"In contrast National involved the private sector to overcome what had been a growing problem of under-performance and excessive costs in the provision of workplace accident insurance.

"Benefits to working New Zealanders were protected by statute and funds paid in by employers for the protection of their workers were covered by prudential supervision.

"When National is returned to Government in 2002 we will again unlock the door to the innovative arrangements that have been in place.

"We recognise that the Government does not know best, and that as a small nation we need to work cooperatively on all fronts to ensure the best outcome for the greatest number of people."

Ends

© Scoop Media