The Government’s intent on burying its head in the sand over opposition to the ACC reforms, Opposition ACC spokesperson
Gerry Brownlee said today.
“The Government refused today to consider extending the submission period for the hearing of ACC submissions.
“The legislation to overturn the current system is being rushed through far too quickly.
“National today sought approval from Parliament to allow more time to hear the hundreds of submissions from people
concerned about the changes to ACC.
”In light of the more than 1,000 submissions received by the select committee National MPs wanted the report back date
extended from 29 February to 31 May 2000.
“But the Government won’t have a bar of it. Its MPs blocked the motion.
“In Parliament today, ACC Minister Dr Cullen also gave a point blank refusal to listen to farmers concerns over his
Government’s ACC changes.
“The evidence before the select committee is overwhelmingly in favour of the benefits the current ACC regime is
delivering in terms of safer workplaces and less cost.
“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.”
ends