The Labour ACC spokesperson Ruth Dyson today called for a real debate on the options for the future, at the "Rebuilding ACC Beyond 2000" Conference at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.

150 people are attending the conference and the guest speakers include Sir Owen Woodhouse, the architect of New Zealand's ACC system.

"The driving principles of the Woodhouse report are still valid today," Ruth Dyson said.

"The internationally proven most efficient way of delivering injury prevention, rehabilitation and compensation, is through a well-managed single public model.

"In 1974 private insurers were removed from the workplace. Why? Because, as is still the case, their involvement is more expensive, more litigious and less likely to reduce injuries.

"It is misleading for Murray McCully to now talk about reductions ion levies without taking into account the residual claims levy, risk-sharing, and insurers willing to take a loss in order to get the business. Some big companies may do well initially, but this does not make National's scheme either efficient or fair.

"Labour will rebuild the ACC system. We have reviewed international models and learnt from the many mistakes and inappropriate government meddling of the last 25 years.

"Labour's scheme will be financially and politically sustainable, will have integrity and will involve employers and employees in reducing injury," Ruth Dyson said.

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